Fashion Forward: A new Middle Eastern fashion platform from Dubai

From the 26^th of April until the 29^th of April, Dubai was the place to be to discover more about Middle Eastern fashion. Fashion Forward (FFWD) is a new four-day event organized by Brag, a live marketing agency from Dubai. The event aims to be a fashion platform for Dubai and the Middle East, where established and emerging designers come together to celebrate Middle Eastern fashion. Fashion Forward supports fresh fashion talent from the region by organizing panels, talks and workshops, given by experts from the fashion industry. Designers working in the Middle East meet leading designers, journalists and buyers and gain knowledge on how to break through into the fashion sector. This event is important for the development of the Middle Eastern fashion industry and is a great way to boast Middle Eastern fashion on an international level. Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) was present this year to share his knowledge and stresses the importance of an international network; “Fashion is a global business, and to succeed designers need to understand international markets”.

Fashion Forward Top picks:

The first Fashion Forward season was a great success attracting more than 12.000 guests. Eighteen designers were present to showcase their designer collections. The shows give a good overview of all the talented designers the Middle East has to offer, from established designers to fresh new talent. My personal favorites from the four-day event were Dubai based designer Amira Haroon, Lebanese designer Dina JSR, menswear label Emperor 1688, Rani Zakhem and fashion label Zayan. I credit Rani Zakhem for using beautifully bright colors and presenting a few flowy long length gowns perfect for a red carpet event or formal night out. Fashion label Zayan shows feminine and girly designs, both casual and chic. Menswear label Emperor 1688 run by the Golkar brothers is a must watch for men. I personally love the suits; nice cuts, fitted and perfect for the metro man who likes to stand out from the crowd. Amira Haroon presented a few floral dresses that caught my eye, monochrome cocktail dresses that would be perfect for women who like to wear something rare and fashionable instead of the usual little black dress. My top pick is designer Dina JSR; stunning cocktail and evening dresses, I love the use of color and the silhouettes are very feminine, elegant and at the same time different and edgy.

Check out the gallery for my top picks from the Fashion Forward event and let me know which designer was your favorite @FashionOriental or leave a message below in the comment section!

I already look forward to season two of Fashion Forward which will take place from October 2013. For more information about this to watch event visit: www.fashionforward.ae

My Fashion Forward top 5 designers: Dina JSR, Amira Haroon, Emperor 1688, Rani Zakhem and Zayan.