10 reasons why you can't miss the 10th edition of Fashion Forward Dubai

For its 10th edition, Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) will return to Design District (d3) this October.

With a prime location in the heart of the region's fashion industry, FFWD is set to present a new format which combines fashion, retail, and entertainment on a larger scale than previously seen.

FFWD is the ultimate fashion platform for Dubai and the Middle East, providing development, exposure and a progressive direction for the regional fashion industry.

It welcomes members from the local and international fashion communities to come together in support of Middle Eastern design talent, fosters industry discussion, and professional development.

Held twice a year, in April and October, the key components of FFWD include runway shows and presentations by the best couture, ready-to-wear and accessories designers in the Middle East. 

Additionally, FFWD will host the d3 Fashion Talks, a series of inspiring seminars and panel discussions led by global industry experts and fashion academia.

"Last season, we received more than 10,000 attendees, and with the new location in the Design Quarter (DQ), which is home to over 6000 professionals, 400 luxury, design and fashion businesses at d3, we are expecting to see an increase in numbers," Bong Guerrero, CEO and Co-founder of FFWD told StepFeed.

"Young designers and students will find the FFWD experience a huge benefit and we hope will inspire them. As well as surrounding themselves in the creative atmosphere, attending talks and workshops, and the exposure to regional design talent, this season will see the launch of FFWD’s Fashion Future, a showcase made up of a curated selection of student and graduate collections from top fashion schools across the globe, highlighting some of the most promising talents of the next generation," Guerrero added.

The event is relocating to a grander stage at the Design Quarter (DQ), which has become the central component in the development of d3 and is already home to over 6000 professionals, 400 luxury, design and fashion businesses.

Guests can expect to see the region’s best ready-to- wear and couture collections with highlight brand collaborations and stunning productions.

FFWD’s popular d3 fashion talks will also headline the event with speakers sharing thoughts, opinions and inside knowledge.

Social events and after-parties dotted around d3’s lounges and restaurants will provide the perfect opportunity to wind down in between the three-day schedule.

Guests will also have the chance to enjoy a selection of new activities, including runway shows from homegrown retail boutiques, creative installations, music performances, a fashion cinema and library lounge, as well as beauty and brand activations with FFWD partners and d3 business partners.

This season will see the launch of FFWD’s "Fashion Future", a showcase made up of a curated selection of student and graduate collections from top fashion schools across the globe, highlighting some of the most promising talents of the next generation.

Shopping will feature a more extensive array of the region’s accessory talent, as part of the "The Garden", the staple FFWD retail experience which will see its revival.

Marking the 10 successful seasons, FFWD will present retrospective exhibitions from its archives, where guests will be treated to stunning photographic galleries of FFWD’s iconic moments from behind the scenes, street style and on the catwalk from season one to date.

For the first time, FFWD is introducing "d3 Preview", an open house concept for d3 residents to celebrate fashion through individually customized engagement opportunities.

Taking place on October 24th and 25th, this preview is a great opportunity for the public to discover d3 through a fashion lens, while engaging with d3’s fashion houses, showrooms and establishments, in a stylish and festive environment.

The organisers will post daily Instagram updates of the coveted wardrobe of fashionistas at #FFWDdxb. Over the past few years, fashion week has evolved into a real peacock show. 

So, you can expect to see people dressed-to-impress, both on and off the runway!

The three-day event will be held from October 26th - 28th at the Dubai Design District (d3).