Dubai Fashion Week Opens With Sequins, Soirées, and Snatched Corsets

Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) SS '25 edition unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance, with each designer adding their own distinct rhythm to the city’s ever-evolving fashion narrative. In its fourth edition, DFW had come of age, transforming Dubai Design District into a vibrant epicentre where creativity and culture collided.

On the first day, the spotlight was shared by four designers, each with a story as unique as their collections: Amjad Khalil, Angelo Estera, Erick Bendana, and Rizman Ruzaini. Their work wasn’t just about clothes - it was about expression, identity, and the deeper currents that run through the fashion world.

Libyan designer Amjad Khalil set a contemplative tone with his FW '24 collection, a heartfelt exploration of lost love. In recent years, Khalil has found himself navigating personal upheavals that have left an indelible mark on his work. His collection, ‘Beyond Black,’ was more than a mere colour palette - it was a reflection of his journey through despair and his struggle to find light amidst the shadows. The garments, rich with texture and depth, spoke volumes about the silent battles we all face.

In stark contrast, Filipino designer Angelo Estera’s SS’25 collection burst onto the scene with a riot of colour and energy. Making his Dubai Fashion Week debut, Estera drew from a wellspring of inspiration gathered from his travels. His collection was a vibrant tapestry of diverse influences, each piece a celebration of the cultures and experiences that have shaped his journey. “This collection is a celebration of my travels and inspirations,” Estera tells Scene Styled, each word underscoring the joy and passion that radiated from his designs.

Nicaraguan designer Erick Bendaña, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence, brought his signature blend of cultural richness and modern flair to the runway. With over 47 international accolades under his belt, Bendaña’s DFW collection was a masterclass in balance - juxtaposing traditional Nicaraguan prints with contemporary urban aesthetics. The result was a collection that felt both rooted and revolutionary, a dialogue between the past and the future.

Finally, Malaysian brand Rizman Ruzaini closed the day with a collection that was as introspective as it was expressive. Titled ‘The Last Malay Woman,’ the collection drew inspiration from the 1999 film ‘Perempuan Melayu Terakhir,’ exploring themes of identity, tradition, and femininity. Each piece was a homage to the “Mustika,” a symbol of enduring grace and strength, weaving together threads of heritage with modern silhouettes to create something timeless.