• UAE-based designer Zeena Zaki’s opening show blended elegance, sophistication, and femininity
• MANEL debuted at Dubai Fashion Week with its inspired ‘Paris Day to Night’ collection
• Indonesia’s TOTON 2025 collection, presented by Makeover Indonesia, merged sustainable innovation with traditional Batik craftsmanship
• Angelo Estera’s showcase blended Russian and Eastern influences inspired by the designer’s journey to Moscow and the Silk Road
The opening night of Dubai Fashion Week’s (DFW) Autumn/Winter 2025 edition set a high bar for the upcoming programme, launching with a mesmerising opening presentation by Zeena Zaki. The diverse line-up also included an ode to Paris by MANEL, a tribute to Batik craftsmanship by TOTON and a nod to Moscow and the Silk Road by Angelo Estera.
DFW, the region’s definitive fashion fixture, runs at Dubai Design District (d3) until 6 February. The event is co-founded by d3, a global creative ecosystem part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council.
ZEENA ZAKI
Zeena Zaki once again captivated DFW audiences with a stunning display of elegance, sophistication, and bold femininity. From flowing gowns to structured silhouettes, Zaki presented a variety of eye-catching outfits in vibrant colours, with each piece making a dramatic statement communicating grace, confidence, and refined beauty. Zeena Zaki’s artistry shone through once again, reaffirming the designer as a key figure in MENA’s dynamic fashion scene and setting an exceptional standard for Dubai’s fashion programme.
TOTON
Toton Januar’s TOTON 2025 collection, presented by Makeover Indonesia, was a powerful reflection of the designer’s response to global current affairs and challenges. In a quest to find relevance in a complex world, Toton sought purpose in a transformative collaboration with Batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia, whose resilience in preserving ancient craftsmanship inspired the designer to create once more. The collection unveiled at DFW embraced traditional Batik artistry with upcycled fabrics and innovative use of materials such as paper clay to create a profound and intricate collection that nodded to fashion’s ability to foster connection and transparent conversations about our place in the world.