As the Spring/Summer 2025 fashion season begins, the world’s gaze has turned to Dubai, where the much-anticipated Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is taking place.
Returning to the iconic Dubai Design District, the event — now in its fourth edition and co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council — sets the stage for the global fashion calendar with a flourish of creativity.
This year, over 30 designers, are unveiling their S/S25 collections to the Middle East. Missed some of the action? Here is your complete guide to Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025.
Malaysian design duo, Rizman Ruzaini, set a luxurious tone with their SS25 collection, ‘Mustika,’ at Dubai Fashion Week. This collection drew its inspiration from the iconic 1999 film “Perempuan Melayu Terakhir” (“The Last Malay Woman”), paying tribute to Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage. The kebaya dress was at the heart of ‘Mustika’ — as a symbol of tradition.
For the collection, Creative Director Ruzaini Jamil was inspired by a photograph of his late grandmother, Tok Puteh Surin, which sparked a nostalgic journey into the elegance of the 1950s. The pieces gracefully blend the past with the present, showcasing traditional batik motifs reimagined through intricate embroidery and exquisite tambour beading.
Libyan designer Amjad Khalil, a trailblazer in North Africa’s fashion scene, showcased his haute couture collection, ‘Beyond Black.’ Each piece that floated down the runway told a story of transformation, a journey from darkness to light.
Khalil’s designs were personal, with every dress capturing a mood from his own life experiences. This visual narrative resonated with audiences on both an emotional and aesthetic level.
Erick Bendana displayed his ‘505’ collection, blending cultural identity with a contemporary urban chic vibe. Inspired by his Nicaraguan heritage, Erick infused the runway with vibrant prints that celebrate the country’s traditional dances and symbols.
The collection cumulated with evening and bridal gowns, each piece radiating the romantic elegance synonymous with the Erick Bendana brand. With ‘505,’ the designer not only honoured his roots but also added a sartorial ode to modern sophistication, making a powerful statement on the global fashion stage.
Filipino fashion designer Angelo Estera made his debut at Dubai Fashion Week, with his Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Drawing inspiration from his journeys across the Oriental Far East to the Arabian Sahara, Angelo presented a stunning fusion of Eastern and Arabian influences. Each piece in the collection offered a glimpse into a world where culture and elegance converge, with its rich tapestry of textures, colours, and intricate details telling the story.
Spanish brand Adolfo Domínguez showcased its Autumn-Winter 2024 IKIGAI collection, a homage to the Japanese philosophy of finding purpose in life. Created at the Ágora Creative Laboratory, the collection, which has a focus on sustainability, blended tradition with modernity, with an array of prints, crumpled fabrics, ruffles, and asymmetrical cuts in a palette that ranges from muted neutrals to vibrant hues.
Ihab Jiryis captivated Dubai’s fashion elite with his Spring/Summer 2025 collection, which paid tribute to the metamorphosis of the monarch butterfly. The collection touched on themes of femininity, growth, and empowerment, celebrating the beauty of transformation.
Each piece was a fusion of art, reflecting Ihab’s commitment to innovation. With this collection, he solidifies his status as a leading force in couture, offering a fresh and powerful perspective on modern femininity.
Victor Weinsanto, a member of Dubai Fashion Week, unveiled ‘Lady de Weinsanto,’ presented by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. This collection, marking Weinsanto’s eighth, is a powerful celebration of resilient femininity, displayed by bold black tones contrasted with electrifying splashes of acid green and fiery fuchsia.
Set against the stirring backdrop of orchestral music by Ugo Nardini, the runway came alive with oversized silhouettes, showcasing Weinsanto’s signature corsetry and innovative materials, including the exquisite lace by Sophie Halette. A standout piece of the show was the striking XXL strapless bag, crafted from dead stock leather, epitomizing sustainable luxury.
Indian design label ITRH made its debut at Dubai Fashion Week with its latest collection, ‘Natak.’ Drawing inspiration from the essence of Indian theatre, the pieces blended bold theatrical elements with subtle, romantic undertones.
Classic Indian silhouettes such as the choli, kaftan, sari, and lehenga were reimagined through dramatic volumes and the brand’s signature crystal textile. This season’s collection showcased a softer colour palette with intricate embroidery, bold stones, and shimmering crystals.
Designers & Us presented a ‘Phantom of the Opera’ themed showcase, blending the opulence of 1881 with contemporary trends. The collection, inspired by the diverse women who graced the grand operas of that era, paid homage to the elegant styles of noble princesses, high society ladies, modest attendees, and actresses, each piece a nod to the grandeur of the past.
The runway displayed an array of corsets, A-line dresses, and mermaid gowns, all uniformed with the brand’s meticulous attention to detail. Renowned for curating exclusive collections from top Arab and international designers, Designers & Us continues to push the boundaries of fashion.
Dubai-based Lebanese designer, Dima Ayad showcased a colourful array of gowns for her Spring/Summer collection. Her signature gowns and billowing kaftans, which honour the female form in all sizes, were awash with bright hues and hints of sparkle, alluding to a summer of frivolity and fun. set to a playful soundtrack, audiences were let in on Dima’s vision for summer 2025. Influencer and model Rym Saidi closed the show in a pink floral number which had crowds clapping.
Anaya continued to redefine luxury ready-to-wear with a distinctly Middle Eastern flair. Established in 2012 by designer Chathuri, this Dubai-based brand has swiftly carved out a niche for itself by masterfully merging traditional Middle Eastern elements with global modern influences. And the Dubai Fashion Week show was no different. Chathuri’s latest collection was a tribute to the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí. Inspired by the enchanting forms of Casa Batlló and Parc Güell, her designs melded architectural precision with artistic fluidity.
Hebajasmi is a beacon of bespoke luxury under the visionary guidance of Emirati designer Heba Al Jasmi. Known for its unique, elegant evening gowns, this fashion house distinguishes itself through unparalleled craftsmanship, exquisite embroidery, and an unyielding commitment to opulence.
At Dubai Fashion Week, Hebajasmi transported audiences into an ethereal realm with its latest collection. Drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of nature, the collection featured gowns that embodied the grace and fluidity of a gentle breeze. The supple, airy fabrics seemed to float effortlessly, emphasizing the lightness and elegance of the silhouettes.
Tamam Humariff, renowned for her intricate designs and her ability to weave entire dreamscapes into the fabric, has once again elevated her craft. Originating from Dagestan, Russia, Humariff’s latest collection transforms flowers from mere embellishments into symbols of nature’s splendour, delivering a message of preservation.
Each piece in the collection showcased at Dubai Fashion Week 2025 was a celebration of fluidity and grace, mirroring the effortless movement of flowers swaying in the breeze. Humariff’s expertise was evident in the delicate embroidery and meticulous details, which capture the very essence of nature’s artistry.
A titan in the realm of haute couture, Michael Cinco transcends the role of mere designer — he is a visionary architect of timeless beauty. Hailing from the Philippines, Michael has etched his name into the international fashion landscape with a distinctive blend of classic glamour and daring modernity.
His Spring/Summer 2025 collection, unveiled at Dubai Fashion Week, broke conventions with grace and audacity. The designer once again challenged norms and took viewers on a sensory odyssey. This time to the world of Ancient Rome. In true Cinco fashion, the experience went beyond visuals; the venue was doused in the scent of his latest fragrance, enhancing the show’s aesthetic and creating an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
GCC fashion label, Riva revealed a modern collection with a focus on rich fabrics including smooth leather, suede, organza and denim. The designs were brought to life through intricate details — think delicate pleats and embroidery. The colour story wove together earthy neutrals and bold, cool hues to create a visual balance. With silhouettes that effortlessly marry a feminine and utilitarian style, this collection speaks to the modern woman.
Choice sent down a collection inspired by the elegance of the ’70s. The brand unveiled a series of versatile, monochromatic ensembles, with a sophisticated colour palette ranging from creamy off-whites to bold blacks. Each piece was meticulously tailored, with standout looks like structured coats, sharp blazers, and a reimagined take on the classic suit. Yet, at its core, it paid homage to Dubai’s rich cultural heritage, seamlessly blending tradition with a contemporary flair.
India-born label Deme by Gabriella made waves at the city’s official fashion week, with a collection with cultural heritage. Gabriella, drawing on her Greek-Cypriot roots and her multicultural upbringing across Africa and India, created a showstopping line that radiated both power and elegance.
From impeccably structured workwear to breathtaking toga-inspired gowns, the collection paid homage to timeless draped silhouettes while exuding the bold confidence of today’s modern woman. Every piece felt like a celebration of feminine strength, marking a debut that was as fierce as it was unforgettable. Deme by Gabriella has officially arrived, and it’s here to stay.
Heaven Lights, Indonesia’s leading name in modest fashion, made its debut at Dubai Fashion Week with its latest ‘Solaraine’ collection. Showcasing 30 looks, the brand blended contemporary elegance with modesty, drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature.
The collection featured lightweight, flowy fabrics and one-of-a-kind patterns that perfectly encapsulated Heaven Lights’ ethos — versatile, chic modest wear for the modern woman.
Malaysian womenswear designer Alia Bastamam made her debut at Dubai Fashion Week, with a signature resort wear collection for Spring/Summer 2025 named ‘Odyssey: Act III.’ As the final chapter in her Odyssey series, the collection delved into themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Think tailored pants paired with corsets, bomber jackets layered over sheer fabrics, and a play on structure and fluidity.
Drawing inspiration from the lush beauty of Asia’s archipelago, Alia’s designs showcased evocative silhouettes with vibrant summer hues and dazzling sequins, blending laid-back luxury with a touch of bold elegance. Known for her effortless, flowing pieces, Alia’s debut at DFW was not just a milestone for her brand, but also a proud moment for Malaysia.
Viva Vox, the Russian brand renowned for its bold aesthetic, audiences with a collection that immersed viewers in the designer’s creative vision. Crafted to encourage attendees to form their own interpretations and emotional responses, the presentation transformed the runway into a canvas where each outfit told a story to spark personal reflection.
