Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) kicked off its much-anticipated Autumn/Winter 2025/26 edition with a dazzling showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural influences. The opening night set an exceptional standard for the upcoming days, featuring a stellar lineup of designers who brought unique narratives and artistic innovation to the runway.
The event, running at Dubai Design District (d3) until 6 February, is co-founded by d3, part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council. The first evening’s presentations were a celebration of global fashion, merging sustainability, heritage, and modern luxury.
Day One Highlights
- Zeena Zaki unveiled a collection that embodied sophistication, femininity, and bold elegance.
- MANEL made a spectacular debut, blending Parisian day-to-night versatility with Dubai’s vibrant energy.
- TOTON, presented by Makeover Indonesia, showcased a sustainability-driven collection, honouring Indonesian Batik craftsmanship.
- Angelo Estera explored cultural fusion with a collection inspired by Moscow and the Silk Road, weaving together history and luxury.
Each designer presented a distinct creative vision, contributing to a diverse and inspiring start to Dubai Fashion Week.
Zeena Zaki: Timeless Femininity and Dramatic Elegance
UAE-based designer Zeena Zaki once again captivated the DFW audience with a breathtaking collection that redefined modern femininity. Her designs featured a mix of:
- Flowing gowns and structured silhouettes, showcasing refined craftsmanship.
- Bold color palettes, emphasizing confidence and empowerment.
- Intricate embellishments and luxurious fabrics, adding a touch of romance and grandeur.
Zaki’s ability to balance sophistication with contemporary glamour solidifies her position as a leading figure in the MENA fashion industry. Her show set a high standard for the week ahead.
TOTON: Sustainability Meets Artisanal Batik Craftsmanship
Indonesian designer Toton Januar delivered a thought-provoking and sustainable collection, presented by Makeover Indonesia. The TOTON 2025 collection was deeply rooted in:
- Traditional Batik craftsmanship, with artisans from Tuban and Cirebon.
- Sustainable innovation, incorporating upcycled fabrics and eco-friendly materials.
- Experimental textures, including paper clay applications, symbolizing resilience and transformation.
This collection was more than fashion—it was a reflection on global challenges, heritage preservation, and the transformative power of design.
MANEL: A Parisian Love Letter to Dubai
Making its DFW debut, MANEL paid homage to Parisian style with a Dubai twist in its ‘Paris Day to Night’ collection. The collection was designed for the modern woman, offering:
- Versatile ensembles that transitioned seamlessly from daywear to evening glamour.
- Luxurious fabrics such as velvet, jacquard, Chantilly lace, and satin.
- A sophisticated winter palette, blending earthy tones with deep, opulent hues.
The collection celebrated timeless elegance with an effortlessly chic aesthetic, cementing MANEL’s place as a brand to watch in Dubai’s luxury fashionÂ
Angelo Estera: A Cultural Journey through Moscow and the Silk Road
Renowned for his passion for historical storytelling, Angelo Estera took the audience on a cultural voyage inspired by his travels to Moscow and the historic Silk Road. His Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection featured:
- A rich palette of red, black, and gold, symbolizing luck, mystery, and prosperity.
- Russian influences fused with Eastern motifs, showcasing intricate details.
- Luxurious silk ensembles and ornate patterns, embodying the elegance of historical trade routes.
The show’s breathtaking finale gown was a masterpiece, blending heritage with haute couture, making it a standout moment of the night.
Report by Lela Christine
