Press Release

• Emergency Room and Timberland’s ‘Hey, what are you up to?’ collection explored human connection through one-of-one upcycled pieces paired with iconic Timberland footwear
• FAD Institute Dubai showcased alumna Dhara Shah’s Victorian-inspired collection, while Absent Findings presented ‘Not What You Think’, blending architecture and memory
• Weinsanto debuted ‘Les Irrésistibles Favorites’, reinterpreting 17th–18th century courtesan culture through couture craft and contemporary irreverence
• Anthropologie marked its DFW debut with a showcase blending effortless elegance and modern femininity, and BLSSD refined signature tailoring through intentional contrasts
• Global retailers continued to explore latest trends and emerging talent at the DFW Buyers’ Programme, taking place in the showroom at Dubai Design District until today

Dubai, UAE, 4 February 2026: Day three of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) brought together a diverse mix of global and regional voices, with showcases that explored a wide spectrum of creative expression - from human connection and modern femininity to theatrical couture and refined tailoring. The programme was further complemented by strong retail engagement, as international buyers continued to discover emerging talent at the DFW Buyers’ Programme.

DFW, the region’s definitive fashion fixture, continues through 6 February, bringing together leading international and regional designers, industry leaders, and global media. The event is co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, reinforcing Dubai’s position at the forefront of the global fashion calendar.

Emergency Room and Timberland

Emergency Room and Timberland presented their collaborative showcase, ‘Hey, what are you up to?’, on the sidelines of the d3 basketball court. The runway explored themes of human connection and everyday spontaneity, pairing Emergency Room’s one-of-one upcycled pieces with Timberland’s iconic footwear and apparel, including the original Timberland boots and 3-eye boat shoes from the SS26 collection.  Set to a nostalgic soundscape of digital notifications, the show offered a thoughtful reflection on intimacy, craft, and modern communication.

Dhara Shah Presented by FAD Institute Dubai

FAD Institute Dubai, located in d3, unveiled a refined collection by alumna Dhara Shah, featuring structured corsetry, defined silhouettes, and intricate detailing inspired by Victorian aesthetics. Blending romantic softness with architectural precision, the designs reflected Shah’s modern interpretation of femininity. Moreover, the presentation highlighted FAD’s continued commitment to nurturing and showcasing emerging talent on global fashion platforms.

Absent Findings

Absent Findings, presented by Polimoda, showcased its AW26 collection titled ‘Not What You Think’. Under the creative direction of Shivin Singh, the collection drew from architecture, memory and surrealism, translating these references into sharp yet introspective silhouettes. The colour palette was inspired by the emotive painting works of Francis Bacon, Singh’s favourite artist, lending the collection a raw, painterly intensity that reinforced its conceptual depth.

Weinsanto

Presented by La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM), DFW member Weinsanto unveiled ‘Les Irrésistibles Favorites’, a SS26 collection inspired by the wit, charm and theatrical allure of 17th- and 18th-century icons such as Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry. Creative Director Victor Weinsanto reimagined the legacy of courtesans through a contemporary lens, blending refinement with irreverence and transforming the runway into a court of intrigue. Drawing from the Château du Champ de Bataille, the collection showcased rich textiles, sculptural corsetry and couture craftsmanship, including a striking wood-crafted dress inspired by 18th-century marquetry. Marking the house’s fifth anniversary, the showcase celebrated fashion as theatre.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie made its DFW debut with a AW26/27 showcase celebrating modern femininity, effortless elegance and elevated craftsmanship. Set within the cultural energy of Dubai, the presentation featured a curated mix of Anthropologie designs alongside select local and regional brands, highlighting creative exchange. The showcase underscored the brand’s commitment to collaboration and its growing presence within the global fashion landscape.

BLSSD

DFW member BLSSD showcased its AW26/27 collection titled ‘YET’, refining the brand’s signature tailoring through subtle shifts in proportion, volume and form. Exploring contrast as a natural state, the collection balanced structure with ease, control with openness and expression with restraint. The collection’s palette stayed true to BLSSD’s restrained codes, anchored in black, white, grey, tan, brown, and army green, with subtle accents of blue and burgundy adding depth. Vegan leather and suiting provided structure, while touches of silk and understated sequins introduced softness and contrast. Signature asymmetry and intentional detailing reinforced a sense of quiet confidence and thoughtful design.

DFW’s success is possible due to strategic partnerships with leading global brands, including SOUEAST as automotive partner, Dyson as the official hair technology partner, Kiko Milano as the official make-up partner and Delano Dubai as the official hospitality partner.  Meta is its main media partner. Electra and Magnum provide essential support as production and audio-visual partners, respectively. Additional support comes from Lucia Clinic for skincare services, Fiji Water as the hydration partner, The Lighthouse as food/lounge partner, and Etcetera for additional management services.

For the full DFW AW26/27 calendar, visit: www.dubaifashionweek.org and follow DFW on social:  

·       @dubaifashionweek  

·       @d3dubai

·       @arabfashioncouncil