Dubai Fashion Week showcases region's emerging talent

Deborah Simcox, Homa Qamar, Ladan Yadollahvand, Najibah Pandor, Nausheen Akhter, and Noelle Adam were awarded the prize by the DFW Advisory Board of prominent fashion commentators including Derek Khan, Sarah Rashid and Zayan Ghandour. Board members were required to consider a range of elements such as the concept and design of collections, choice of fabric, as well as the commercial viability of entries.

Today's award ceremony gave winners an opportunity to unveil their work in front of an audience of fashion connoisseurs, followers, commentators, and buyers from around the region at the Media Rotana in Al Barsha.

Rohit C Sabikhi, Director of Fashion, Concept Events said:

"We were overwhelmed by the number of entries which have almost doubled since last year's competition. We are thrilled about the increasing awareness of the Emerging Talent component of DFW and look forward to showing off its latest creations throughout DFW in April."

DFW, which will once again be held in the Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, will feature more than 30 designers staking their claim to DFW's catwalk to-date including Walid Atallah, Reem Ali Beljafla, HSY, Amal Murad, Salma Khan and Mariam Al Mazro. Collections will range from couture to prêt à porter.

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 upcoming collections and trends, thus generating publicity and revenue for the fashion industry.

"The talent we've witnessed at the Emerging Talent Competition is testimony to the dedication of Dubai Fashion Week as it strives to attract and support bright, local talent" said Sabikhi. "If this is the work produced at an entry level, there can only be excitement about what is to follow!" he said.