Dubai Fashion Week wraps up a scintillating Autumn/Winter 2009

Over the course of the week guests were treated to an amazing display of local and regional talent, including the likes of Walid Atallah and Aly Fawaz, who presented sparkling, Swarovski-encrusted floor-length couture gowns; Amir Adnan who romanced the crowds with his creations; HSY, whose embroidery-heavy Rouge Royal collection caused raptures of appreciation, whilst Emirati sisters Reem and Hind Ali Beljafla had the audience jump to its feet when their Emirati flag-incorporated abaya emerged onto the catwalk.

Overall the event saw designers setting a glamorous fashion agenda for the season, with sheer fabrics, flowing chiffons and heavy embellishments featuring in most of the collections. Black and red as well as sunny yellows and pinks were prominent colours and most garments were adorned with Swarovski crystals, glittering beads or colourful stones. Sleeves were often sheer and cuffed at the wrist and asymmetrical cuts were also popular.

Commenting of the outstanding wrap-up of Dubai Fashion Week, Rohit C Sabikhi, Fashion Director, Concept Events enthused, "Dubai Fashion Week A/W 2009 has received exceptional praise and support from all stakeholders and participants, and we at Concept Events are extremely pleased with the feedback. We have seen a 40% increase in the number of buyers and guests attending the shows and as a result, the media interest has been phenomenal. The success of this season's event has gone a long way to affirm Dubai's position as the fashion capital for the region and we have already received requests from designers in Kuwait, KSA and India for participation next season."

Celebrity endorsement of Dubai Fashion Week added to the glamour of the event, with the likes of legendary Indian painter M.F. Hussain, Bollywood actress Mahima Chaudry and actor Tusshar Kapoor taking to the catwalk, in addition to Concept Events own Managing Director, Jean Oosthuizen. International model Daisy Lowe also added pizzazz to the Model's party as she celebrated with Dubai's glamorous glitterati at chic hotspot of the moment Okku, The Monarch.

"It has been a privilege to once again be involved in this incredible event," commented Pakistani designer, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY). "Dubai Fashion Week is now in its fifth season and I have been involved since the start, watching it grow step by step. Attendance and buyer interest has also increased year on year, making the event an ideal networking opportunity. Finally, it is great to see Dubai taking the lead in the fashion arena, as the city is so diverse and cosmopolitan, making it the perfect place for regional and sub- continental designers to come together."

"At Concept Events we are committed to growing Dubai Fashion Week to rival international fashion weeks. It is impressive that in spite of the region's tough economic conditions and struggling fashion industries, Dubai Fashion Week has received increased interested from a multitude of stakeholders," said Jean Oosthuizen, Managing Director, Concept Events. "In future there will be even greater opportunity for business development and we look forward to taking Dubai Fashion Week from strength to strength."

The next season of DFW will take place in November 2009.