Dubai Fashion Week showcases region's emerging talent

Anam Sohail Sooma - "Anam's Wardrobe", Asma Chapti - "Haute Vintage", Dona Gilbert - "Kappa/Maxim", Irena Trajkova, Khalid Alhajri - "Studio Khaled", Natasha Petafi - "Natasha Petafi" and the duo team comprising of Simone Khambatta and Roma Narsinghania - "Vibgyor" were selected as the final 7 designers to showcase at DFW, Emerging Talent Show.

The competition was judged by the DFW Advisory Board of prominent fashion commentators including Alejandra Tokoph, owner, Luxecouture, Derek Khan, International Fashion Stylist, Faarah Mehta, Group Editor, Asian Titles - ITP, Kerrie Simon, Editor Grazia - ITP, Mirvat Ghanem, Editor, L'officiel & Arass - ITP, and Sara Belhasa, Vice Chairwoman, Saif Belhasa Group of Co. &MD, fashion boutique Studio 8.

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

"Each season we received a marked increase in the number of entries for the Emerging Talent competition, with entries almost doubling once again since the last event."

"The Emerging Talent competition is an important part of DFW as it is the perfect opportunity for local aspiring designers to showcase their talent to a high profile panel of judges. All the winners are additionally allowed to showcase their designs during DFW in October, which is another thrilling opportunity for them to establish themselves as a young, fresh new talent on the Middle East fashion scene," he added.

DFW, now in its 6th edition, is set to be held at Dubai Festival City to accommodate larger crowds including buyers, media and guests who are expected to attend and experience more than 35 designers. Returning designers include; Walid Atallah, HSY, Amir Adnan, Amal Murad, Salma Khan and Mariam Al Mazro. New designers to the show include; Furne One, Siddarth Tytler, Michael Cinco and Beenas. 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. Following the trade show, Concept Events is expected to host a one-day designer collection showcase, open to members of the public who purchase tickets.

L'Oreal, Phillips, and Dessange (Paris) join DFW as key sponsors of the event for the 4th season. New sponsors include Lamborghini, Avis and the Intercontinental Hotel - Dubai Festival City.