(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) IT'S BEEN A fashion whirlwind in Dubai. With the closing of Fashion Forward, fashion enthusiasts and designers weren't complaining when they didn't get a break as the third edition of Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience (VFDE) started on Thursday. Held in the Dubai Mall from October 29 - 30 VFDE was open and free to the public.
VFDE is a platform to scout and promote new talent as well as placing an emphasis on fashion education and the future of fashion in the region. The event, organised by global property developer Emaar Properties, in partnership with Vogue Italia and supported by the Dubai Design & Fashion Council, gave the community a glimpse into the international fashion world while introducing some impressive new design talent.
FASHION HAPPENINGS
On Thursday the Catwalk Fashion Show presented eight international designers some of which included, The Kayys, Studio 189, Reem Al Kanhal, Lee Wood, Krikor Jabotian and Arthur Arbesser. Friday saw global fashion experts lead discussions on the journey of their success and what it takes to make it in the cut throat industry. The public were lucky enough to hear the experiences and get advice from world famous French luxury footwear and fashion designer Christian Louboutin, fashion writer and entrepreneur Miroslava Duma and Fendi designer Silvia Venturini.
The most exciting element of VFDE was the introduction of the 25 finalist designers of Who is On Next? Dubai competition.
"There is so much new talent waiting in the wings within the Middle East and North Africa region," Nez Gebreel, CEO, Dubai Design & Fashion Council said. "VFDE brings a similar experience to Dubai that other fashion events bring to respective cities to support and strengthen our creative economy."
The designers selected for Who is On Next? Dubai, are a perfect representation of the best new talent from the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The designers showcased their latest collections in the Dubai Mall Atrium where they were judged by a world-renowned panel of fashion experts. The winners and designers participating received something more exciting than money. They will have a chance to flourish. Support, awareness, production and distribution advice and mentorship, as well as exposure to the public and the opportunity to sell their collections in temporary stores within Dubai Mall, is a great push for many of these start up fashion brands.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
The main theme that was discussed throughout many of the talks as well as the press conference was the influence of the digital space in the fashion industry. The constant evolution of fashion has seen a massive surge toward the easily accessible digital world lead mainly by today's youth.
"The digital (space) I think is an incredible tool that we haven't had for long," Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Italia, said. "We can use it in a good way and sometimes it's a disaster because people can know everything and instead of being free in their creativity they instead decided to follow what everyone else is doing. Digital can't help with inspiration and creativity, you get that from the inside and you use the digital to create awareness."
NEW TALENT
One of the talented designers who made it to the Who is On Next? Dubai finals, is Dubai based Palestinian designer, Faissal El-Malak. His spring ready- to-wear collection stood out from the rest for its versatility and mix of traditional and contemporary ideas and techniques.
The collection was inspired by a trip to Tunisia where Faissal worked directly with artisans. Using their traditional techniques, he created new designs out of their hand woven crafts and added elements of their traditional dress to his contemporary point of view. The result is a blend of traditional hand woven materials and patterns in modern silhouettes and shapes that women of different ages could see themselves in.
VFDE proved to be an intense time for the designer but a platform that was enlightening and necessary for the growth of his brand.
"It was an intense two days, where we met a lot of people and had the chance to show our work to different press from all around the world. We also got to meet industry professionals, that are key players who had valuable feedback on our work. As a Middle Eastern designer, this will help me reach new markets."
To see more of Faissal's work visit: www.faissalelmalak.com
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