Glitz, glamour and avant-grade fashion mark the opening of Dubai Fashion Fiesta 2009

The Dubai based British opera singer Stacey Almond who has enthralled Queen Elisabeth and Prince Charles on many an occasion added a touch of musical poetry to the event through her rendition of classical opera pieces.

The red carpet reception attended by more than 500 high profile guests including Dubai's social glitterati, 48 designers and models from all around the globe set the right note for the four day fashion fête that yet again brings the best and the latest of haute couture and high-end fashion to Dubai.

Declaring DFF 2009 open Mr John Mathew, Managing Director, Emirates Vision who is organizing the event in collaboration with Percept D'Mark said:

"DFF is an important and much awaited high-profile event on the fashion calendar of Dubai. The event has tremendously evolved in the last two years and has reached a stage where designers of international repute are seeking participation. We had an overwhelming response this year with requests from about 160 designers. Majority of the designers seeking participation were from Europe, USA & India. The growth of the event reflects the growing importance of Dubai as the fashion capital of the Middle East."

Opening Collections

The evening gowns from Dubai based fashion boutique Si Fashion Gallery set the stage for avant-garde fashion, as models strutted down the ramp in resplendent ready to wear evening collection that stood out for both its finesse and the creative cuts. The collection essentially created for the Middle East women in an eclectic colour range of fuchsia, yellow, turquoise, black, white and beige dazzled with a brilliant interplay of Swarovski crystals. Exquisite Indian craftsmanship and delicate embroidery took centre-stage as Rohit Verma showcased his collection of kameez-salwars and night gowns.

Emirati designer Rabia chose to portray the spirit, confidence and the mystique of Middle Eastern woman along with her pride in her roots, as she played with abaya-the traditional black dress to reflect the individualistic self expression of a modern Arab woman.

The Dubai based Amber Feroz meshed his high technical skill with inherent eastern sensitivity to showcase a collection that was an ode to his native city, Banaras. The rich weaving traditions of the city, pails of color swirls, silken skeins and woven gold fused with modern cuts to strike a balance between commercial viability and creative futurism.

The creator of well recognized Islamic fashion label, 'Shabhaya', Shabana Asif blended sophistication and elegance with unique designs, exclusive fabric and intricate embroidery to create clothes that are modern yet heavily reminiscent of the rich cultural heritage of Islam.

The award winning Emirati designer Zahra Komastagi known for the unusual cuts of her abayas focused on Jalabiyas and stunning crystal studded flowing evening gowns that oozed feminine grace. The style stakes reached a crescendo as DFF's brand ambassador in the USA, supermodel, actress and signer turned designer Sabrina Barnet showcased 27 pieces from her collection entitled 'Empowering Women'.

The closing collection sent out a very strong message to women to embrace their femininity and sensuality. Featuring uber-casual jeans, pants, skirts and gowns, Sabrina's collection quintessentially expressed the multi-dimensional aspects of a woman's personality.

Designer Highlights

JJ Valaya, Arif Shah and Anita Dongre from India, the Netherlands based Larisa Katz, who is also the DFF brand ambassador in Europe, Lida O'Reilly from Mauritius, Dubai based Amato, Verica Rakocevic and Marco Marcu from Germany are amongst the other prominent designers participating in the event. JJ Valaya will come with his dramatic collection 'The Kingdom of Love'. The 'King of Couture' as Valaya is known will focus on bright colours, metallic golds and silvers. Anita Dongre will showcase her Timeless Collection and Larisa Katz will display her collection Sacred Geometry that is inspired from the nature and the universe.

The Indian participation in the event was further enhanced by the presence of Mr. Sunil Sethi CEO of India Fashion Design Council who described the designer line-up as impressive and extended the council's support to the event.

DFF New Emerging Designer Awards

Emerging Designer Awards is the latest component addition to DFF and aims at supporting and fostering young talented designers and helping them to reach out to an international audience of fashion enthusiasts.

Announcing the awards Mr Mathew said: "We have also widened the scope of the event to provide a platform for the new emerging talent to showcase their creations. It is an excellent opportunity for the emerging talent to directly reach out to the connoisseurs of fashion."

Twenty four young designers from across the world including the region are participating in the contest. The winner of Top Emerging Designer Award will get an opportunity to participate in international fashion week. Among the talented designers of note are Mariam Heyderi whose creations range from chunky jewellery to little black dresses and the London based Nataliya Dolenko who has worked with designer Alexander Mac Queen.

United Colours of Africa

The DFF 2009 for the first time ever features the creations of African designers. Supported by Nigeria Fashion Council, this would be the first ever showcasing of African designs in the Middle East region. Zizi Cardow is a forerunner in contemporary African fashion whose designs have graced catwalks of Paris and Cape Town South Africa will showcase her ethnic clothing. In addition to OGODOR, a celebrity endorsed brand, Jazreel Designs that revels in the ingenuity of Nigerian craftsmanship and Modela Couture will also be participating in the event.