By Malak Khaled
Dubai Fashion Week is underway, running from February 1 to 6, 2025, and it’s already proving that Dubai is a force to be reckoned with in the global fashion scene.
So far, we’ve seen ethereal and bold couture, architectural designs, and collections that reflect unique heritage and creative vision.
Here, we take a closer look at the standout designers and their inspirations from the first two days—and wait to see what the rest of the week has in store.
Zeena Zaki – Iraq
Spiral-Inspired
Opening the week with a striking display of femininity and sophistication, Iraqi-born but Dubai-based Zeena Zaki introduced a collection inspired by the spiral and the sync and flow of energy. The motif was most striking in the models’ wet-styled hair, shaped into delicate spirals that framed their faces.
Her designs played with movement and structure, featuring intricate waistline twists, sculptural heart-shaped necklines, and cascading ruffles.
The show built up through a series of sleek black gowns before culminating in a luminous pearl-white bridal dress, symbolizing resilience and renewal. Or, as Zeena herself says, “It’s about embracing your dark so you can reach the light.”
Paolo Sebastian – Australia
Fairytale-Inspired
Marking its first-ever showcase in Dubai, Australian brand Paolo Sebastian delivered a collection that felt like stepping into a dream. Delicate illusion tulle, soft draping, and enchanting, fairytale-inspired silhouettes defined the designs, seamlessly blending classic couture craftsmanship with modern elegance.
Weinsanto – France
Restaurant-Inspired
French designer Victor Weinsanto brought theatrical energy to the runway with Cauchemar in the Kitchen, a collection blending whimsical Maxim restaurant-inspired details with intricate Art Nouveau embroidery.
From corset-driven silhouettes to bold jumpsuits and extravagant accessories, Weinsanto’s designs embodied playful excess. The show opened with Ameni Esseibi, the region’s leading plus-size model, reinforcing the designer’s vision for inclusivity and bold self-expression.
Velvety Couture – UAE
Zaha Hadid’s Architecture-Inspired
Velvety Couture from the UAE paid homage to legendary architect Zaha Hadid, translating her signature curves and futuristic designs into couture.
Inspired by the fluid architecture of the Heydar Aliyev Center, the collection featured sculptural gowns in chiffon, taffeta, and velvet, all in a striking monochrome palette. Each piece reflected Hadid’s bold approach to design, celebrating strength and individuality.
Manel – Tunisia
Paris-Inspired
Blending Middle Eastern glamour with Parisian sophistication, Dubai-based Tunisian designer Manel Aboudaoud introduced Paris Day to Night, a collection that seamlessly merged Arab-inspired silhouettes with classic French elements like Chantilly lace, satin, and jacquard.
The result was a refined yet dramatic fusion of two cultures.
Toton – Indonesia
Sustainability-Inspired
Bringing a fresh perspective on ethical fashion, the Indonesian label Toton showcased an eco-conscious collection that redefined traditional craftsmanship.
The designs incorporated upcycled fabrics and unconventional materials like paper clay, proving that sustainability and high fashion can go hand in hand.
Angelo Estera – Philippines
Silk Road-Inspired
Inspired by his travels through Moscow and the historic Silk Road, Filipino designer Angelo Estera’s collection featured a rich color palette of deep reds, golds, and blacks.
Dramatic skirts, crystal embellishments, and regal silhouettes gave the designs a grand, opulent feel, beautifully fusing Russian and Eastern influences into striking couture.
Dubai Fashion Week 2025 cemented itself as a platform for both established and emerging designers to push creative limits. From sustainability-driven collections to architectural elegance and culturally rich narratives, this year’s edition was a testament to the diversity and global influence shaping Dubai’s fashion landscape.
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