Huawei Arab Fashion Week (HAFW) Press Conference @The Meydan Hotel
Huawei Arab Fashion Week (HAFW) Reveals a Prestigious Line-up of Designers and Industry Projects at the World’s Only ‘Ready-Couture’ Platform
HAFW presents list of exciting regional and international participating designers and their “Ready-Couture” brands. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Arab Fashion Council announces the project of Creative Jordan, a fashion manufacturing programme to support the Arab Designers. Theoretical and technical workshops in partnership with the American University in the Emirates (AUE) also part of the Program.
3rd Edition runs from October 6-10 at The Meydan Hotel, Dubai
The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) announced at a press conference today, highlights from the innovative program for the third edition of the Huawei Arab Fashion Week (HAFW) due to be held October 6 – 10, 2016 at The Meydan Hotel. The United Arab Emirates based non-profit fashion authority that represents the 22 Arab countries continues to celebrate its success of developing the world’s only ‘Ready-Couture’ platform that has proven to create powerful connections between local, regional and international fashion industry players and attracting brands from over 10 countries.
While Western countries focus on fast fashion and ready-to-wear, the Arab Fashion Council contributes to shape the international fashion scene by taking the lead of a different approach to the industry: ‘Ready-Couture’ (RC). “This allows the Arab World to position itself strongly among the fashion capitals by giving the HAFW the exclusive authority to the Ready-Couture similar to how Paris Fashion Week setup the lines of the Haute Couture. The Huawei Arab Fashion Week (HAFW) is the only platform in the World that stages the Ready-Couture”, says Jacob Abrian, Founder & CEO of the organization, who further explains: “The Ready-Couture is a pivotal segment for the Arab World and other luxury oriented markets such as Russia and China, which is quite sensitive to the uniqueness of the products, but it is increasingly important for the entire World-fashion system and economy”.
Based on limited edition productions, custom-made adaptations, and the highlight of handwork as opposed to mass production, Ready-Couture is a model that suits Middle Eastern designers’ work the best.
For its 3rd season, HAFW is proud to introduce two official Haute-Couture designers: Rad Hourani and Yacine Aouadi. The presence of two Guest Members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris aims to foster a spirit of creativity and innovation across the Middle East and pave the way for young designers to learn from the best and most accomplished Couture and Ready-Couture luminaries. The lineup also includes former Alta Roma designer, Giada Curti, New York based celebrity designer LaQuan Smith – who is a new favorite amongst superstars such as Beyonce, and Kylie and Kendall Jenner – and Ingie Chalhoub- one of the pioneering founders of the luxury market in the Middle East, Chambre Syndicale member and one of the most accomplished designers in the region, Sheikha Alanoud Alattiya from Tiiya and Lamya Abedin, two of the hottest tickets at last season’s event, will return with their opulent and regal collections.
On the industrial side, AFC in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) will present ‘Creative Jordan’, the first initiative of developing an Arab manufacturing cluster in Jordan that could sustain the high-end standards and big number of orders.
Highlights of the program include daily theoretical and technical workshops held in partnership with the American University in the Emirates (AUE) to further enhance and encourage the study of fashion design and business management to support the designer in mastering the business side of the industry. Designers’ showrooms and exhibitions will offer guests and clients the opportunity to look at the designs up-close.
Day one of HAFW is dedicated to kid’s wear and the opening womenswear shows, with day two introducing the debut of the first dedicated menswear in the region, with the remaining three days focused on women’s fashion.
The days during HAFW are divided into two distinctive parts: from 9am – 6pm, the public are invited to explore, meet and network with the designers who are there with respective showrooms with samples and special pieces on display. Workshops for students will also take place daily during the same time at the AUE campus. Starting from 6pm, the fashion shows commence, with almost 6 shows per day showcasing Arab and international designers.
The five-days are a platform to celebrate the handwork, savoir-faire, and collectible fashion through Haute Couture and Ready-Couture presenting designers from around the world with a chance to showcase their brands on a globally recognized platform. It is also a place for the fashion influencers to interact, meet and mingle with designers, buyers and specialists in the fashion industry; HAFW is now also a place for international names, such as Leen Deemester who wrote the best seller Fashion Icons, and will release her new title at the HAFW. Through these curated events, the AFC in partnership with Huawei Arabia aim to cement the UAE’s position, through Dubai, as the fifth international fashion hub alongside New York, London, Milan and Paris, confirming the emirate as a top fashion destination within a burgeoning market that has always demanded the highest quality standards in everything.
Season three of the Arab Fashion Week sees the continued partnership with Huawei, a collaboration that witnesses a seamless synergy between technology and design. The global technology giant seeks to continue promoting up-and-coming international designers to foster a spirit of creativity and innovation across the Middle East.
This edition of AFW, Huawei is showcasing the Limited Editions of their latest flagship device, the Huawei P9. The Blue and Red smartphones were inspired by the dramatic Pop Art movement; these vibrant colours reflect the passion and glamour of the fashion world. In addition to the P9, Huawei will be unveiling the Ruby Red Lady Watch, featuring over 68 Swarovski Genuine Gemstones of Zirconia on the bezel. The elegant and timeless smartwatch is powered by Android Wear and offers stylish and sophisticated connectivity.
“We’re thrilled to be on board for the third edition of Arab Fashion Week and look forward to welcoming the fashion industry’s movers and shakers to the Meydan Hotel,” said Mr. Gene Jiao, President of Huawei Consumer Business Group Middle East and Africa. “We seek to support initiatives that help to realize the dreams of those pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation and believe that the Arab Fashion Week is the ultimate platform. With the Limited Editions of our P9 and Ruby Red Lady Watch in tow, we’re confident this will be the best season of AFW yet.”
For more information please visit www.arabfashionweek.org/www.arabfashioncouncil.com