Fashion Forward Reaches Out Across The Region Bringing A Dynamic Roster Of Design Talent To Season Three

Following hugely successful opening seasons, Fashion Forward (FFWD) returnsfor its third edition with an impressive line-up of design talent; offering up an even more diverse representation of the regional fashion landscape. Bringing in these new talents adds further depth and range to the already well- established platform. In addition to the talent making their FFWD debuts, the majority of the catwalk shows this April 10th-13thwill be from returning designers whose work we have seen at previous seasons.

“Going into Season Three, we were keen to maintain our momentum and draw from what Seasons One and Two have taught us,” said Bong Guerrero, Founder and CEO of Fashion Forward. “Broadening our reach even further across the region has always been our goal, and whilst we will continue to do so, season after season, our main focus must always be on showcasing the best and brightest design talent. On this point Season Three does not disappoint, as we have selected a diverse and representative portfolio of designers from those who have shown in previous seasons, and those who are new to the platform, but have significant and notable talent,” added Guerrero.

Also returning for Season Three will be The Garden, the retail space for accessory designers to showcase their collections to buyers and guests throughout the event. This season The Garden will grow to house over 70 accessories designers from throughout the region. Guests will be able to browse and purchase jewellery, handbags, shoes, t-shirts and home ware directly from the regional designers in personalised retail spaces.

FFWD continues to build upon its strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3) who have supported the fashion platform throughout its growth in 2013. With d3’s focus and vision on nurturing regional design talent across diverse sectors, as well as becoming the centre of Dubai’s creative community, their valuable support bolsters and solidifies FFWD’s mission to showcase the finest design talent across the Middle East.

The catwalk designers making their Fashion Forward debut for Season Three are:

Asudari Studio – Originally from Saudi Arabia, London based Lamia Asudari launched her label in 2007. Lamia’s passion lies in her development and execution of intricate and emotionally driven hand crafted prints. She is constantly experimenting with a variety of fabrics against conflicting and bold silhouettes. www.asudari.com

Jean Louis Sabaji- Following in the footsteps of his fashion-designer father, Lebanese couturier Sabaji has always had a passion for design. He studied in Milan at Domus Academy before launching his own couture line. Sabaji’s designs are influenced heavily by the strength and beauty of Mother Nature, and his pieces are conceptual and daring. www.jeanlouissabaji.com

House of Ronald – Of Lebanese descent, London born Ronald Abdala trained in Los Angeles, Beirut and London before being appointed senior designer for Maison Rabih Kayrouz in 2004. Shortly after this he launched his own line of womenswear. Abdala’s designs focus closely on the human form, using bold and architectural cuts but delivered with fluidity, making for edgy yet sophisticated pieces. www.houseofronald.com

Said Mahrouf – Born in Morocco, Said Mahrouf and his family moved to Amsterdam when he was nine years old. He studies fashion design both in Holland and New York. He presented his first pret a porter collection in 1999 to international acclaim and in 2000 he started his own performance company in Amsterdam. Mahrouf’s love of costume design, artistry and partiality to feminine elegance defines his collections. www.saidmahrouf.nl

Velsvoir –Launched by brothers Zac, Zubair and Talha Timol in 2012, Velsvoir began by creating bespoke bowties and have since expanded to a range of men’s and women’s accessories and more recently a menswear line. Velsvoir focuses on classic tailoring whilst offering quirky and interesting accents to showcase their signature style.www.velsvoir.com

Zareena –It was when studying Business Management in India, that UAE National Zareena Yousef first discovered what luxurious fabric combinations and rich embroidery could do to complement and enhance a woman’s beauty. This inspired her to begin her worldwide search for the exquisite textures, adornments and needlework that would one day become the trademark of her internationally acclaimed gowns.www.zareena.co/wp/

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Apr 12, 2014

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