Fashion from Roberto Cavalli at DFW, Roberto Cavalli’s signature look and a look from the April & Alex collection.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Renowned Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli closed the shows of the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) on September 7, bringing an end to an action-packed week of local, regional and international fashion inspiration. Roberto Cavalli’s Creative Director, Fausto Puglisi, curated an exclusive edit of its Resort 2025 Collection for Dubai’s official fashion week, demonstrating designer confidence in DFW’s global platform. The collection featured Cavalli’s signature animal motifs — zebra stripes, leopard spots and floral patterns — on trench coats, dresses, and silk shirts. Western influences such as cowboy boots and hats were key elements, while the Roar Bag took centre stage with new crocodile and lizard-effect variations. Puglisi’s kaleidoscopic designs embodied the brand’s spirit of daring elegance, paying homage to Cavalli’s colourful heritage.

Bringing iconic collections from Milan to Dubai, Roberto Cavalli’s debut on the DFW runway reflects the emirate’s cementing status as a global fashion capital. Dubai’s rapidly expanding luxury market, robust platforms such as DFW, co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council (AFC), and a diverse, fashion-forward audience, are strengthening designer confidence in the city and the broader region. The week saw the global and regional fashion industry convene at d3 over inspiring fashion shows, capsule launches, events, dinners, industry talks and networking opportunities. Enthusiasm among stakeholders was at an all-time high, from top-tier media to buyers representing prestigious brands sitting front row at every show.

The latest edition of DFW brought to the runway more than 30 brands from the region, Asia, Europe and Central America. The first three days focused on dazzling haute couture collections, opened by world-famous Malaysian label Rizman Ruzaini, who announced at their show the opening of a Dubai boutique for the brand very soon. Three days of streetwear and ready-to-wear collections then followed, defining the fashion forecast for the season. Among the key designer highlights was Michael Cinco debuting couture pieces evocative of ancient Roman fashion, smart-casual daily wear and the Michael Cinco Luxury Micro Diamond Collection. Mrs Keepa, a DFW Member headquartered in d3, presented its Spring/Summer collection in the brand’s signature innovative fashion. Rather than a runway show, hand-picked buyers and media attended the premiere of the ‘Need Therapy’ collection, revealed through a film at VOX Cinemas.

 Design from Born In Exile.

Other standout moments included the April & Alex SS25 collection ‘Blossoming Seeds’, which celebrates women’s transformative journey of growth and resilience, a high-fashion presentation by Emirati designer Heba Jasmi, and a tribute to femininity by Dubai-based Lebanese designer, Dima Ayad. A significant highlight this edition was DFW’s strategic partnership with the Italian Trade Association for the inaugural ‘La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition’. The third edition of Threads Talks by Instagram brought together industry thought leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of fashion. From the potential of emerging retail formats to the power of storytelling, speakers shed light on the MENA region’s instrumental role in attracting and empowering fashion brands.

DFW extended its footprint further across Dubai with more than 40 exclusive dinners and launches for key fashion stakeholders. From Bil Arabi displaying its latest collection of bespoke luxury jewellery at Chez Wam to Swarovski introducing its ‘Created Diamonds’ collection made from 100 percent renewable energy and recycled gold and silver for the first time in the region at La Dame De Pic, DFW’s latest programme was a celebration of fashion excellence in all its forms. On day five, FAD Institute of Luxury, Fashion & Style, a fashion university based in d3, gave audiences a snapshot of the future of fashion talent with a spotlight on 20 emerging talents. The show featured an eclectic mix of ready-to-wear and couture collections, featuring experimental silhouettes, colour blocking, dynamic geometric patterns, and intricate textile manipulation.

  A striped look from Roberto Cavalli.

REBORN unveiled its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, inspired by modern, fast-paced lifestyles. The presentation featured versatile staples such as shirt dresses, two-piece sets, and skirts, with distinctive details and asymmetrical draping that created a balance between feminine elegance and contemporary sophistication. The presentation also included a neutral palette of white, beige, brown and black and fabrics such as crinkled cotton and silk. Ibrahim Shebani of Born In Exile collection, honoured Libya’s cultural heritage. The brand is the brainchild of Libyan designer Shebani, who is inspired by his country’s symbols such as the Ghazala fountain; he references Libyan fabrics. The collection showcased tracksuits, knitwear and leather patchwork, blending traditional motifs with modern styles.

Indonesian designer Benang Jarum returned to DFW’s global stage with its ‘Forest Toile’ collection. Drawing inspiration from classic toile de Jouy motifs incorporating modern stripes, the pieces played with muted tones of carmine rose, powder blue, white and French vanilla, complemented by intricate embroidery and fabric layering. Co-founder Allyssa Hawadi was present on the occasion. Jakarta-born label Buttonscarves left a bold impression on audiences with its ‘Lucent Dusk’ collection, featuring luxurious fabrics, such as satin and jacquard, paired with oversized renditions of their iconic Nina, Mindy, and Beverly Bags.

Attended by international figures, including the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the UAE, Husin Bagis and supermodel Rawdah Mohamed, CEO Linda Anggrea emphasised the brand’s mission to bring Indonesian fashion to the world stage through the #ButtonscarvesGoesGlobal campaign. Instagram and AFC hosted an exclusive dinner with key fashion industry figures.

Designers, influencers, and industry leaders networked and engaged in conversations on digital trends and the future of fashion marketing, highlighting Instagram’s role in shaping fashion narratives and the AFC’s dedication to global fashion dialogues.