Capacity crowds, including industry influencers, retail buyers, academic heads and fashion decision-makers, flocked to Madinat Jumeirah from 26-29 April for Fashion Forward’s first season. The public programme of workshops and panels, ranging from directional to practical themes, drew hundreds of participants who engaged in lively debate with speakers, while 18 catwalk presentations across three locations saw standing-room-only crowds experiencing new collections from some of the Middle East’s emerging and established designers. From accessories lovers trawling for a special piece in the pop-up shop to discussions, catwalk shows, and related social events, more than 12, 000 guests experienced the first season of Fashion Forward.
Season one closed with an exclusive industry luncheon with celebrated designer Reem Acra, who was discovered by a fashion editor while studying at the American University of Beirut, as Fashion Forward’s guest of honour. On his first-ever visit to the Middle East, Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the not-for-profit trade association representing the interests of more than 400 North American fashion and accessory designers, gave a keynote presentation outlining a roadmap for the creation of an industry body aimed at nurturing and regulating a vibrant, sustainable fashion industry. “Fashion is a universal language, and programmes like Fashion Forward fuel creativity and stimulate the economy,” said Kolb, during his keynote.
“We’re now accepting applications from and meeting with designers keen to take part in Fashion Forward’s season two. Our first season has provided tremendous insight into what the region’s aspiring and existing designers need to develop further, as well as the roles which academia and the retail community can play, and we will incorporate these elements into season two so that Fashion Forward continues to evolve in an informed and dynamic way,” Guerrero added.
Interested designers of fashion and accessories as well as members of the academic and retail communities can contact Fashion Forward about opportunities to participate in season two via www.fashionforward.ae. As a bi-annual fashion platform, FFWD is establishing itself as the region’s definitive movement to foster growth and enrichment for designers, the Middle East’s retail sector and the industry as a whole.
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