Dubai Fashion Week Accelerates Ethnic Heritage with Bold Corsetry and Sustainable Design
Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 commenced with a vibrant display of creativity, as designers embraced their ethnic backgrounds while innovating contemporary styles. The event highlighted a significant trend: the corset has emerged as a modern essential, redefining traditional evening wear across various collections.
International Debuts and Unique Collections
Indian designer Krèsha Bajaj made a notable international debut with her collection titled The Archive of Hidden Things. This collection showcased a blend of storytelling, meticulous craftsmanship, and sustainable design principles. Renowned for her maximalist bridal and evening wear, Bajaj transformed her narrative approach into ready-to-wear garments that harmonized art with functionality. Her collection drew inspiration from personal experiences, private collections, and surreal architecture.
Samantha Prabhu, a prominent figure in the film industry and a long-time friend of Bajaj, attended the event wearing a midnight blue creation by the designer. Another standout presentation was from Fioletowy, founded by Bengaluru-based designer Samatha Chandrashekar. The collection, titled Elevation, featured 30 looks handcrafted from pure silk, showcasing layered panels, asymmetrical tailoring, and cascading ruffles, all inspired by the metaphor of climbing staircases. The design house is recognized for its craft-led approach and monochromatic palettes, which ranged from sculpted black evening wear to vibrant color-blocked dresses.
Evening Wear and Cultural Inspirations
Designers at the event presented an array of sparkling evening wear embellished with crystals and sequins. Malaysian luxury brand Rizman Ruzaini drew inspiration from the rainforests of Southeast Asia, unveiling eye-catching evening creations and sophisticated menswear, including a hand-embroidered tailcoat. Emirati designer Heba Jasmi’s collection, Born to Rise, redefined femininity through elegant details and fluid lines, reflecting Arab heritage with a contemporary flair. Dubai Fashion Week, organized by Dubai Design District in collaboration with the Arab Fashion Council, served as a platform for these innovative showcases.
Key Trends That Emerged
Statement Headgear
Krèsha Bajaj’s collection prominently featured oversized hats and veils, which complemented the tactile and fluid nature of her garments. The high-drama ensembles, adorned with tassels and fringes, are designed to make a statement at events such as destination weddings or red-carpet appearances. Fioletowy’s showcase also included fascinators and headgear, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the evening gowns. Chandrashekar emphasized that headgear played a crucial role in their Elevation theme, designed to elevate the overall look.
Corset as the New Evening Essential
Corsetry emerged as a defining trend, particularly in Bajaj’s collection. The designer expressed her long-standing fascination with corsets, suggesting they can surpass traditional blouses in elegance. Fioletowy’s fit-and-flare gowns also featured structured bodices with prominent corset darts, which added strength and sophistication to the silhouette.
Bold and Vibrant Designs
Rizman Ruzaini’s RIMBA collection drew inspiration from the lush rainforests, reflecting the vitality of wildlife and the strength of the Malayan tiger. The collection showcased dark green hues and intricate embroidery, capturing the essence of the tropical environment. Erick Bendaña, a leading designer from Latin America, unveiled his SS26 couture collection, The Sun and The Moon, which explored themes of light and shadow through radiant golden and ethereal silver designs.
Heritage-Inspired Embroideries
Heba Jasmi’s collection featured sculptural silhouettes in sophisticated colors such as gold and desert coral. The garments included delicate floral embroidery and crystal-studded edges, creating a visual dialogue between Arab heritage and international haute couture influences.
Commitment to Sustainability
Bajaj highlighted her dedication to sustainable design through limited production runs and the use of responsibly sourced materials. She also emphasized the importance of upcycling scrap materials into unique accessories. Fioletowy’s commitment to sustainability was evident in its artisanal craftsmanship and bold design language, marking a significant chapter for the Indian label in the Middle Eastern market. Chandrashekar stated that sustainability involves embracing slow fashion and valuing time, while minimizing fabric waste and focusing on luxury textiles.
As reported by elle.in.
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Published on 2025-09-19 11:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk