Twenty-five fashion designers from the UAE, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait took part in the 5th edition of Fashion Forward, which concluded recently at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, discussing the present and future of the fashion industry in the Middle East.

The event concourse included an assortment of accessory designers as well as the Fashion Gallery and Fashion Cafe, according to the Dubai Government Media office.

On the final day of the event, Fashion Forward and Dubai Design District, d3, hosted a networking event, which was attended by fashion tycoons, media and outlets' buyers. The event covered several aspects of the fashion industry and the effect of the Middle East on Western fashion. The event also discussed visual marketing and the relationship between fashion and the movie industry.

Fashion Forward, held twice every year, contributes to positioning Dubai as a global capital for fashion and provides a vibrant platform for young talent to unleash their capabilities and enter the fashion world. With support from d3, the event catalyses the fashion industry in the Middle East by inviting the world's top industry players to meet Arab entrepreneurs and promising designers.

Dubai is now a major hub for upper-class fashion in the Middle East. The emirate has established itself as a global capital for fashion and preferred destination for shoppers. Dubai has also built many upscale shopping centres, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Festival City that are home for world's top brands and strong incubators for fashion retail.

To support its efforts in this aspect, Dubai pursues a sound strategy that will eventually position Dubai on the industry map. In 2014, Dubai announced plans to build Mall of the World, the world's largest mall occupying 8 million sq.ft. connected to 100 hotels and serviced apartments with 20,000 hotel rooms. Once completed, it will include world's largest indoor park, cultural theatres and wellness resorts with a capacity to host over 180 million visitors annually.
Source: WAM