The second edition of IFZA Middle East Fashion Week concluded on November 10th, 2022, leaving Dubai buzzing as crowds lined up to see their favorite designers.
The five-day event was held at The Agenda, with four days of fashion shows, showrooms, and the 2nd edition of the MESFF, ending with an exclusive VIP Luncheon at Boca, DIFC. From extreme minimalism to true Haute Couture, this edition of the MEFW had something in store for every preference and occasion for women and men alike!
Day 1 got off to a flying start as Maison D’Vie opened the show with a collective of premium brands that clientele may shop online. Sol Angelann by Irena Soprano, designer to the stars including Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Paris Hilton had lit up the runway with her ‘Desert Rose’ collection with jewel dripping creations. The MEFW Talent Pick of November 2022 Comme Des Stars closed the first day, with architectural and playful genderless silhouettes. Fit for a star.
Day 2 saw the impressive talent of Dubai-based Aaronic Atelier, presenting the Garden of Eden. Haute Couture in the true sense of the word. Brand Billioness spoke to the strong modern woman. Elegance for glitzy evenings and board rooms alike. The legendary Ezra Santos presented his Haute Couture collection baptized “A New Beginning”. And rightfully so. After 4 years of absence on the catwalk, the collection was an ode to a post pandemic era speaking of love, mercy, and joy. Ezra Couture’s technical prowess matched with runway artistry, ended on a standing ovation, bringing tears to many an eye.
Across the event, the MEFW hosted a delegation of Mongolian brands, with the esteemed support of the Mongolian Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Odonbaatar Shijeekhuu. Nolur Cashmere, Red Camel and Khanbogd Cashmere. 3 distinct DNAs, beautifully interpretated. Minimalism, sophistication, and modern showcasing the best of Mongolian tradition and craftsmanship. All globe-trotting women conscious luxury clients take note: Sustainable can be desirable!
Lam Viri showcased their line of finery with feathers and Swarovski, inspired by the world of ballet that is so close to the heart of designer Sofi Lam Viri. Michael Cinco proudly presented his first ever, Ready-to-Wear Collection for Women and Men. As the audience applauded a collection displaying the full mastery that Michael is so well known for in Couture, into a sublime Ready To Wear line.
Day 3 ended on a high note with Garimon Roferos Couture. The collection captured the transitions in the life of the eagle portrayed in the world of fashion. The rebellious, edgy streak from the punk rock era, unique and sustainable designs with a series of stepped color changes leading up to the eagle’s rebirth flight, adorned in all its glamour.
Dubai based Valeryia As’ad presented a mix of romantic cocktail, evening and bridal. Lightweight corsetry, crotchets, and embellishments, showcasing Valeryia’s high savoir faire. The House of Victor revealed its very first Women’s wear collection, while continuing to build on the strong Men’s line. Furne Amato showed the world his multi-disciplinary talent, giving rebirth to the Amato world, one where RTW met Demi and haute Couture. Where black met denim. Where high society met street. Where cool met elegance.
“We have set the tone for a true international level Fashion Week, in just our 2nd edition. Stunning collections sublimed by the highest level of catwalk productions this region has ever seen, the IFZA Middle East Fashion Week is already being hailed by industry professionals across the region. Our vision to host a true Fashion Week in the International sense of the word is now a reality and this was just our 2nd Edition!” said Simon J Lo Gatto, founder, and CEO of MEFW
“Beyond the front stage glamour and fun, there is so much hard work behind the scenes – from our partners, backstage crew, hair and make-up teams, designers’ teams, choreographers, performing artists and more. Agility is key, and we have showed what talent, skills, discipline, and attention to detail can achieve. A solid foundation that will now go and grow from strength to strength!” said Payal Kshatriya Cerri, CSO and Fashion Director of the MEFW and Co-founder of the MEFC.
The Showrooms, a concept introduced by The Middle East Fashion Council, were a hive of activity where buyers and media had the opportunity to meet the designers and view the collections up close. Make-up and Hair was curated by MEFW with the support of AOFM, led by Jana Ririnui, in line with the MEFC objective of supporting regional all-round talent.
The second Middle East Sustainable Fashion Forum (MESFF) was officially co-hosted with Deloitte and The Sustainable City. The brainchild of MEFC Co-founders, Simon Lo Gatto and Payal Kshatriya Cerri, this 2nd edition brought together thought leaders and change-makers with hard talk on key issues.
A power packed 2 days brought to center stage Karla Martin, Managing Director of Global Retail Luxury, Deloitte. Keynotes by Karim El Jisr of The Sustainable City and Hosein Moghaddas, Consumer and Retail Lead from Deloitte Middle East, unveiled The Global State of the Consumer Tracker. Panelists and moderators included Ben McCabe, Founder, McCabe and Partners, Angana Maheshwari, CEO & Founder of Veganologie, Ayesha Siddequa, CEO & Founder, Ethical Elements, Theresa Tsui, Co-Founder of Skills3 Creative Enterprise for Social Impact, Jeorg Meiser, Director – Consumer Business & Retail for Monitor Deloitte and Matteo Boffa, Co-Founder of Thaely.
The next edition of Middle East Fashion Week will be held in Dubai in April 2023.