Saudi Gazette As one of the fastest growing fashion capitals in the world, Dubai recently played host to the 3rd Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience (VFDE), an event that concluded on Oct. 30 and sought to take Dubai to the next level in the fashion world. VFDE was organized by global property developer Emaar Properties in partnership with Vogue Italia and supported by the Dubai Design & Fashion Council. Many international fashion celebrities were in the city for the celebration of fashion talent over two days. The event this year witnessed a "Catwalk Fashion Show" featuring eight international designers. It also included a scouting contest, entitled "Who is On Next? Dubai," in search for emerging talent with 25 finalists whose collections were also put on show for viewing in a special design showcase. Global fashion experts also delivered seminars, titled "Fashion Lectures," at The Dubai Mall's Fashion Catwalk. All events were free and open to members the public. On the final day, a white carpet gala dinner was held with numerous international fashion celebrities in attendance. The entire VFDE began with a press conference on the first day in which Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, and Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, both pledged to support talented people with more moral support in addition to financial support. "The first two editions of Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience have established Dubai as a fashion capital that offers a world-class retail infrastructure and welcomes luxury shoppers from around the world led by its central geographic location," said Alabbar. "The Dubai Mall, the world's most visited retail and leisure destination, today is the hub for luxury retail, and has been a driver for growth for the fashion scene across the region. VFDE further serves as the nurturing ground for new talents, several of whom have evolved as international fashion professionals. With the enthusiasm that the event has generated internationally, we are confident of VFDE 2015 setting new benchmarks and adding to the pride of Dubai as a creative hub," he added. Sozzani said, "Right from the first edition of VFDE, we have been placing a firm emphasis on the event to serve as a magnet for new talent and creativity. VFDE has not only positioned Dubai and The Dubai Mall as referral points in the global fashion dialogue but also serve as a platform to nurture emerging talents." The Catwalk Fashion Show provided eight international designers the opportunity to showcase their collections. The show took a place at the Fashion Avenue of The Dubai Mall. Designers included Studio One Eighty Nine, The Kayys, Reem Al Kanhal, Arthur Arbesser, Krikor Jabotian, Melitta Baumeister, Xiao Li and L72. The scouting contest, "Who is On Next? Dubai," was held for the first time and mainly focused on emerging designers from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The 25 finalists included Absence, Adriaan Kuiters + Jody Paulsen, Anita Quansah London, Beyond Closet, Brother Vellies, Byungmun Seo, CA&LOU, Cynthia & Xiao, Dent de Man, Elio Abou Fayssal, Faissal El-Malak, Hussein Bazaza, J Moon, Jourden, Maryam Omaira, Matter Matters, max.tan, MaXhosa by Laduma, Nathalie Trad, Sindiso Khumalo, sulvam, Susana Traça, Ujoh, Yirantian and Youjia Jin. Their collections will be evaluated by a panel of globally-renowned fashion experts. They will also now be given the opportunity to showcase their collections at a number of high profile events in 2016, including Pitti Uomo in Florence, Altaroma in Rome, Milan Fashion Week, and Palazzo Morando during the September edition of Milan Fashion Week. On Oct. 30, the event featured "Fashion Lectures" to support and strengthen the culture of fashion education. Sessions were led by Christian Louboutin, founder and CEO of Louboutin; Miroslava Duma, founder of Buro24/7; and Silvia Venturini Fendi, creative director for Accessories & Men's Lines & president of Alta Roma. The sessions were moderated by Jessica Michault, editor-in-chief of Nowfashion. The VFDE concluded with a gala dinner that had a white decoration theme. Attendees included celebrities with all women dressed in white and men in tuxedo suits. The dinner witnessed some entertainment with a beautiful performance by Italian singer, songwriter and former model Calra Bruni. The crowd became very excited when Algerian singer Cheb Khaled appeared and performed.
