Opening Night Brings Together Couture, Craftsmanship, and Global Voices
Dubai, UAE, 2 September 2025 – Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) returned in spectacular style last night, unveiling its Spring/Summer 2026 season with an opening lineup that was as diverse as it was dazzling. From Southeast Asia’s ancient rainforests to Arab-infused couture and India’s poetic prêt-à-porter, the runway became a stage for stories that transcended borders.
Co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, DFW continues through 6 September, cementing its role as the region’s definitive fashion calendar highlight.
Rizman Ruzaini: RIMBA
The Malaysian design duo Rizman Ruzaini set the tone for the season with RIMBA, a demi-couture collection that marked the maison’s 20th anniversary. Inspired by the lush rainforests of Southeast Asia, the collection captured the harmony of flora, fauna, and the revered Malayan tiger. Deep greens, earthy hues, and bold accents intertwined with intricate embroidery, creating silhouettes that balanced strength with delicacy. It was couture as both a cultural homage and a celebration of resilience.
Heba Jasmi: Born to Rise
Emirati designer Heba Jasmi followed with Born to Rise, a collection that redefined femininity through sculptural tailoring and fluid elegance. With a palette that moved from desert coral and mint jade to midnight navy, Jasmi explored softness as a new form of power. Crystal fringes, embroidered florals, and layered organza spoke to her Arab heritage, while precise structure and body-conscious tailoring reflected a modern, global couture language. Each made-to-order gown carried quiet strength, designed for women who command presence without spectacle.
Krésha Bajaj: The Archive of Hidden Things
Closing the night was Indian designer Krésha Bajaj, making her Dubai Fashion Week debut with her first international runway collection. The Archive of Hidden Things translated Bajaj’s signature bridal craftsmanship into ready-to-wear with a couture sensibility. Presented in three chapters—Revelation, Obsession, and Liberation—the collection explored intimacy, concealment, and empowerment. Silhouettes shifted between soft and fluid to sharp and architectural, while blush, charcoal, antique gold, and burnished copper painted a narrative of transformation. A commitment to sustainability underpinned the artistry, with small production runs, responsibly sourced fabrics, and repurposed remnants reimagined as accessories.
Beyond the Runway
The opening night embodied DFW’s spirit as a global platform where creativity, culture, and craftsmanship converge. The week ahead promises more from designers including FLTRD, Erick Bendana, Fioletowy, Chic & Holland, and Maison Novague.
Dubai Fashion Week’s success is powered by a network of partners: SOUEAST as automotive partner, Dyson as official hair technology partner, Kiko Milano as official make-up partner, and Waldorf Astoria as hospitality partner. The Italian Trade Agency leads trade collaborations, while Meta serves as main media partner. Electra and Magnum deliver production and audio-visual support, with OHVU, Fiji Water, Grow Healthy Food, and Etcetera enhancing the experience.
For the full schedule and registration, visit dubaifashionweek.ae/calendar.
Follow the latest updates at @dubaifashionweek, @d3dubai, and @arabfashioncouncil.
