As part of Nargis Magazine, I attended Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, experiencing days full of creativity, energy, and unique fashion voices. I got to see both established designers and fresh talent, each bringing their own story and mood to the runway. Here’s a look at some of the collections that stood out to me the most.
Jozeph Diarbakerli
Jozeph Diarbakerli made his Dubai Fashion Week debut with a strong collection that showcased a Hollywood-inspired theme. Each look exuded the glamour and confidence associated with movie stars, featuring sharp suits, shiny fabrics, and bold silhouettes. The models embodied various roles, from affluent heiresses to dramatic icons, reflecting the collection’s bold and personality-rich essence. This debut highlighted Diarbakerli’s intent to present a fusion of confidence, drama, and luxury.
XD Xenia Design
Croatian brand XD Xenia Design also showcased at Dubai Fashion Week for the first time. Their Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled The Art of Making Clothes, emphasized architectural elegance, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi. The designs featured sculptural silhouettes, exaggerated sleeves, sharply defined waists, and layers of sheer organza, turning seams and structures into visual poetry. The colour palette remained predominantly black and neutral, with accents of deep red and green, presenting a clean, thoughtful, and well-made aesthetic.
Benang Jarum
Indonesian brand Benang Jarum returned to the international runway with their latest collection, Opulent Bloom, at Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026. This collection reimagined florals not merely as symbols of delicacy but as bold declarations of power and identity. With flowing silhouettes, intricate detailing, and a rich colour palette echoing the essence of blossoms, the collection celebrated femininity as both soft and strong, reaffirming the brand’s contemporary elegance with a statement of confidence and individuality.
THAT Concept Store
THAT Concept Store returned with a multi-brand showcase, featuring a mix of styles including denim, oversized shapes, bright colors, and interesting textures. As the show progressed, the looks transitioned to shinier and more fitted pieces. The lineup included brands like Hellessy, Christopher Esber, Khaite, and Philosophy, each bringing its unique vibe, yet the overall show maintained a cohesive flow. The finale featured a sparkling dress worn by Loujain Adada, providing a glamorous conclusion to the presentation.
Buttonscarves
Buttonscarves unveiled their elegant Lucent Dusk collection at Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, marking their second appearance on the Dubai runway. The collection featured soft, natural colours and premium fabrics like satin, jacquard, and organza, elevated by delicate beadwork. A standout highlight was the introduction of their oversized bags, including the Nina, Mindy, and Beverly bags, which added a bold statement to the collection. The presence of notable figures such as the Indonesian ambassador and Rawdah Mohamed underscored the brand’s growing influence in the modest fashion industry.
FAD Institute of Luxury Fashion & Style
FAD Institute of Luxury Fashion & Style concluded the night with a showcase featuring over 20 emerging designers. The collections presented a mix of unique cuts, bold patterns, and experimental designs, reflecting the future of fashion. Some pieces focused on heritage, while others explored modern silhouettes and fabric innovations. FAD’s initiative provided a platform for new designers, helping them step into the fashion industry with confidence and creativity.
