Huawei Arab Fashion Week 2016 brings Ready Couture, Breaks Taboo

The Huawei Arab Fashion Week 2016 was a huge success bringing Dubai a step closer to becoming a major fashion capital as well as the preferred destination for the ‘ready couture’ genre. Arab Fashion Council CEO, Jacob Abrian, says that this genre is in between ready-to-wear and haute couture as to its status and value.

AFC spokeswoman Daline Eluar stated that the group aims to “strengthen the role of the UAE, through Dubai, to become the fifth international fashion capital alongside New York, London, Paris and Milan.” She also “hopes to prove to the world that the region is not just synonymous with war and conflict, but also creativity, art and beauty.”

WATCH: The #HuaweiAFW 2016 Feature via verified Dubai Fashion TV YouTube channel 

First Emirati Model Breaks Taboo

Malay Mail Online features Rafeea al-Hajsi in a scarlet dress as she becomes the first Emirati model to walk the runway at the Arab Fashion Week. After being triumphant in her battle in social constraints, Rafeea now expresses, “It’s amazing to be on the catwalk… a lovely feeling,” she said. “I enjoy it with all my heart. When I see the lights on my face, life lights up with the feeling that international fame is ahead,”

WATCH: Rafeea Al-Hajsi in Instagram video via her Instagram page

Thank you so much @safiandorra for the amazing dress for the AFW Finale and the Gala Dinner #arabfashionweek and for sure the big thanks for my amazing stylist @nabilajadallah .. شكراً المصممين @safiandorra على الفستان الرائع لحفل ختام #اسبوع_الموضة_العربي واكيد الشكر الكبير للستايلس اللي دايم تهتم انها اطلعني في احلى صورة @nabilajadallah ?❤️ #rafeeaalhajsi #رفيعه_الهاجسي #رفيعة_الهاجسي #

A video posted by Rafeea Alhajsi | رفيعه الهاجسي (@rafeeaalhajsi) on Oct 10, 2016 at 9:42am PDT

Her many obstacles include living in a conservative Muslim society where women are required to cover up from head to toe in black abaya robes. As she recalls this, she says that she considers herself courageous because it was difficult to be a model specially from Emirati.

After about five years as a model for local clothes, she began getting exposure in television and radio which opened the opportunity for her to get into fashion.

Young designer who dressed Hollywood’s Cate Blanchett, Kirsten Dunst and Rooney Mara creates sophistication

Yacine Aouadi, Marseille-born Algerian couturier, showcased a vibrantly colored contemporary collection. In his craft, he aims at creating sophisticated, modern clothes reflecting the woman’s the distinct personality. Take a look at Cate, Kiersten and Rooney in Aouadi here.

Unisex Collection launched in AFW 2016

Rad Hourani, a Canadian-Jordanian designer known for gender-less creations enjoys the limelight as his collection hits the runway in the show.

You can also check out the other featured designers of the AFW 2016 runway here.