Dubai Fashion Week 2024 to Kickstart Global Fashion Calendar

Dubai has staked its claim as the new leader of the global fashion calendar with the upcoming Third Edition of Dubai Fashion Week. Announced through a striking billboard campaign in the heart of New York's Times Square, the dates for Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2024 have been set for February 4-8, 2024 - positioning it ahead of the usual heavy-hitting fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris.

This new scheduling is a bold move by Dubai Fashion Week to strengthen its global visibility and attract more discerning fashion industry players from around the world. Founded by Dubai Design District and the Arab Fashion Council, Dubai Fashion Week has swiftly established itself as the definitive fashion event of the Middle Eastern region in just its first two editions. Last October saw headline shows from global luxury powerhouse Carolina Herrera and Malaysian fashion force Rizman Ruzaini, with supermodel icon Naomi Campbell closing the week down the runway of the latter.

“The world is really beginning to see the incredible talent, creativity, diversity and opportunity that Dubai offers the global fashion industry,” Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, tells SceneStyled. “In October, we set the bar for excellence high, and we are determined to follow up each edition with more outstanding, innovative and inspiring collections than the one before.”

With its upcoming edition, Dubai Fashion Week aims to further cement its place as the leader on the year's fashion calendar. The week promises to reveal the latest Autumn/Winter 2024-25 collections through a dynamic showcase of high-profile runway moments from local, regional and international designer talent. Alongside the shows, attendees can expect curated showrooms, exhibitions, collaborations and a full schedule of talks providing insight into the global fashion landscape.

“AW24-25 promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with inspiration, innovation, and style. By shifting the dates, we position ourselves strategically before New York Fashion Week, creating an optimal window for global visibility,” Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council, shares with SceneStyled.

While specific designers and events are still underwraps, past editions saw the likes of Dutch sensation Iris Van Herpen, Italian giant Moschino and French legend Jean Paul Gaultier presenting in Dubai. This diverse programming exemplifies Dubai Fashion Week's commitment to nurturing an inclusive platform where both established brands and emerging talents can find success.

By adjusting its calendar, Dubai Fashion Week creates prime selling conditions for designers whilst reinforcing the city's role as a connected cultural hub. For fashion connoisseurs, industry experts and mediamakers worldwide, it seems the fashion conversation will begin its new seasonal journey under Dubai's shining skyline come early February 2024.

“Our commitment remains to nurture a prolific fashion ecosystem in Dubai and the wider region, providing designers from Dubai, the region, and beyond with a gateway to new markets, opportunities, and audiences.”