Dubai Fashion Week’s opening night hosts diverse designs

Set to run until Feb. 6, the opening night of Dubai Fashion Week saw designers show off their Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collections in the city on Saturday.
The opening night’s line-up included an ode to Paris by Manel, founded by Dubai-based designer Manel Aboudaoud; a tribute to batik craftsmanship by Indonesian brand Toton; and a nod to Moscow and the Silk Road by Dubai-based Filipino designer Angelo Estera.
From flowing gowns to structured silhouettes, Iraqi designer Zaki presented a collection marked by subdued, elegant hues. Zaki — who has dressed celebrities including Kris Jenner, Ciara and Tyra Banks — created a number of ombre gowns for her latest line, which also included metallic evening wear amid nude-colored looks. Rouching was seen in many of the figure-hugging gowns, with a creamy beige menswear look turning heads on the runway.
Meanwhile, Toton Januar collaborated with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia, for a collection that combined traditional artistry with upcycled fabrics and innovative use of materials such as paper clay.
Aboudaoud made a winning debut at Dubai Fashion Week with the “Paris Day to Night” collection, a tribute to her Parisian upbringing and Arab roots. The collection combined elegant tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and versatile designs that can transition from day to night. The colour palette drew inspiration from Parisian winters, blending earthy tones with opulent hues. Textured velvet, jacquard, Chantilly lace, and satin were employed across the collection to create a refined, yet wearable line.
For his part, Estera fused traditional Russian elements with Eastern influences in a show inspired by the ancient trade routes connecting the East and West. The Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection featured a rich colour palette of red, black, and gold, representing luck, mystery, and cultural prosperity, according to the show notes.