NET-A-PORTER Releases Exclusive Collection Of Gowns For Women In The Middle East

We’ve got the 411 on the perfect dresses for the DIFF red carpet

Featuring dresses from from eight of the region’s most coveted designers, NET-A-PORTER is turning our Dubai Film Festival wardrobe dreams into a reality, launching a second capsule collection of high-glamour gowns created specifically with the Middle Eastern woman in mind.

The 10-piece launch will include a range of red carpet-ready frocks to suit every taste from some of the most coveted international names in fashion including Erdem, Jason Wu, Jenny Packham, Marchesa, Roksanda and Roland Mouret as well as looks from regional sartorial icons Elie Saab and Reem Acra.

Dresses, (L) approx Dhs53,500 (£10,995), (R) approx Dhs55,957 (£11,500)

Hand-picked by experts at the luxury e-commerce site, Reem Acra commented on her contributions to the collection; “These extraordinary gowns have been made specifically for our beautiful Middle Eastern woman, who has a flair for high octane glamour. They are made in divine colours with a couture flair and a cool attitude.”

Taking Bazaar through each piece, the designers reveal the magic behind their bespoke looks: 

Erdem Moralioglu: “I wanted to create an exclusive evening dress that felt really special for my NET-A-PORTER customer. The dress is made from a black silk jacquard with a passion flower motif appearing in pale yellow, blue and ivory. The length and off the shoulder detail gives it an easy elegance.” 

Dress, approx Dhs21,898 (£4,500) 

Roksanda: “We developed an exclusive version of our couture embroidery technique for this dress, using pockets of air to create delicate organza bubbles by hand for each piece. No one piece is the same, meaning each is truly authentic, bringing a timeless elegance to modern craftsmanship.”

Dress, approx Dhs58,390 (£12,000)

Jason Wu: “I am thrilled to partner with Net-A-Porter for an exclusive evening wear capsule.  True to the house codes of craftsmanship and couture techniques, the hand embroidered gowns are meticulous with luminous Swarovski crystals and luxurious Italian point d’espirt lace that perfectly drape around the body.  I was inspired by the Middle Eastern women – a discerning lover of fashion who appreciates bold luxury, refined craftsmanship and glamourous sophistication.”

Dresses, (L) approx Dhs36,494 (£7,500), (R) approx Dhs24,329 (£5,000)

Jenny Packham,: “I am delighted to have designed a gown exclusively for Net-A-Porter and our Middle Eastern customer. After visiting Dubai and having had the pleasure to meet all the glamorous women I did, I was inspired to create an exclusive gown. This look developed from a bestselling eveningwear style – I love the understated elegance of the silhouette; the velvet belt adds instant glamour.”

Dress, approx Dhs20,436 (£4,200)

Roland Mouret: “The Zodiac Gown is embodied by the red carpets of Cannes in the 50s and the romantic vision of Monaco. An old-school romance gown, with a 21st century attitude, but I want women to bring their own personality to the dress. Confidence inspires me and I want the woman I design for to walk with confidence and reassurance that they are wearing something in tune with their lives.”

Dress, approx Dhs13,867 (£2,850)

Elie Saab: “This floor length gown clings close to the body. It is crafted from tulle and is embroidered with varying shades of pacific blue sequins for an ocean wave effect. Long sleeves and translucent details add a sophisticated touch for evening.”

Dress, approx Dhs23,112 (£4,750)

Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, Co-Founders, Marchesa: “The Middle Eastern customer is drawn to our more dramatic and alluring pieces. We’re thrilled to partner with Net-A-Porter to bring an exclusive collection of eveningwear to our customers. This stunning one shoulder evening gown with a hand-dyed ombré skirt is perfect for a glamourous night that we know the NET-A-PORTER woman will love.”

Dress, approx Dhs4,3967 (£8,995)

The collection is available exclusively at NET-PORTER from November 24