Dubai Fashion Week announces Spring/Summer 2009 edition

Dubai Fashion Week will take place from the 5th - 9th October 2008 at the Godolphin Ball Room in Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

The Spring/Summer 2009 edition will be the fourth seasonal installment of Dubai Fashion Week, which aims to establish Dubai's position in the global fashion industry and promote the regional fashion design industry. Leading and emerging designers will be represented and the collections will range from bridge/couture to prêt à porter.

'Dubai Fashion Week is quickly gaining the reputation as one of the most important and must attend fashion trade events on the region's fashion calendar, not only for buyers but also for stylists and all industry insiders. I am delighted to be in a position where I can bring these amazing collections to fashionistas across the region,'

said Zayan Ghandour, co - owner and buyer from S*uce Boutique and advisory board member for Dubai Fashion Week.

Dubai Fashion Week is the region's flagship fashion trade event and focuses on offering retail buyers, fashion professionals and media an exclusive preview of the season's up coming collections and trends, thus generating publicity and revenue for the fashion industry. Facilities such a media room, media centre and media lounge are available onsite to accommodate all media requirements, ensuring maximum exposure for the event as well as the participants. The buyers lounge plays an important role in facilitating business opportunities, ensuring an environment where buyers and designers can develop business associations. From this season onwards, in addition to collection show opportunities provided to designers at a highly subsidised fee, there will be designer exhibition stands through the period of Dubai Fashion Week.

'There is increasing enthusiasm for Dubai Fashion Week and each new season reflects this with a growth in interest and response from the media, fashion retail buyers, designers and of course the fashion conscious public,'

said Rohit Sabikhi, Director - Fashion, Concept Events.

He further added, 'Dubai Fashion Week recognises the importance of identifying and supporting emerging designers by providing them with a rare chance to showcase their talents. From the vast number of applicants, a select number of designers will be chosen to participate in the 'Splash Emerging Talent Contest', which is a sponsored runway show taking place during Dubai Fashion Week. This unique competition gives young designers the exposure and opportunity necessary to establish them in the fashion business environment.'

'Fashion Week is my favourite time of the year, the world over - lights, models, cameras and haute couture, the atmosphere is bound to be electric. Watch out London, New York and Milan. Dubai Fashion Week has arrived!' exclaimed Derek Khan, celebrity stylist and advisory board member for Dubai Fashion Week.

Dubai Fashion Week is endorsed by Dubai Chamber and is supported by Splash, L'Oréal, Dessange, Philips and Solaris.