Dubai Fashion Week SS'25 Kicks Off With Cultural Splendour And Italian Excellence

Dubai Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2025 edition commenced with a vibrant display of creativity and cultural homage. Rizman Ruzaini opened the event, followed by Erick Bendana's celebration of Nicaraguan heritage and Angelo Estera's impressive debut. The Italian Trade Agency also launched its La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition exhibition, showcasing Italian fashion excellence.

Rizman Ruzaini's Cultural Tribute

Malaysian designers Rizman Ruzaini kicked off the week with their 'Mustika' collection, inspired by the 1999 film "Perempuan Melayu Terakhir." This collection honours Malaysia's cultural heritage, featuring the kebaya as a central piece symbolising tradition and elegance. Creative Director Ruzaini Jamil drew inspiration from a photograph of his late grandmother, Tok Puteh Surin, sparking a nostalgic journey reviving 1950s elegance.

The collection also highlights traditional batik motifs, translated into modern designs with intricate embroidery and tambour beading. Founded in 2005, Rizman Ruzaini is committed to preserving Malaysia's sartorial heritage while focusing on sustainability and expansion into new markets.

Amjad Khalil's Transformative Narrative

Libyan designer Amjad Khalil captivated audiences with his 'Beyond Black’ haute couture collection. Each piece represented a chapter of transformation, reflecting a journey from darkness to light. Khalil’s designs are deeply personal, with each dress embodying specific moods he has encountered throughout his life.

Erick Bendana's Nicaraguan Influence

Erick Bendana presented his '505' collection, which masterfully merges cultural identity with an urban chic aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from his Nicaraguan roots, the collection showcased prints celebrating traditional dances and symbols. The presentation culminated in breathtaking evening and bridal gowns that captured the romantic elegance defining the Erick Bendana brand.

Angelo Estera's DFW Debut

Filipino designer Angelo Estera made a grand debut at Dubai Fashion Week with his Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Inspired by his travels from the Oriental Far East to the Arabian Sahara, Estera’s collection was a beautiful fusion of Eastern and Arabian influences. His designs offered visitors a captivating blend of culture and elegance.

Italian Fashion Excellence

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) debuted at DFW with the inaugural 'La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition' exhibition. This event showcased the excellence of 25 Italian fashion brands across clothing, footwear, leather goods, and eyewear. The exhibition highlights strong cultural and economic ties between Italy and the UAE and is open until 5pm on 3 September.

The opening night set an exciting tone for Dubai Fashion Week, which runs until 7 September. Co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, DFW continues to be a definitive fashion fixture in the region.