Dubai Fashion Week has dramatically elevated its position within the global fashion hierarchy, transforming from a regional showcase into an indispensable industry event. The Autumn/Winter 2026–27 edition, running from February 1 to 6 at Dubai Design District, represents a pivotal moment for the event’s international credibility and commercial significance.
This season establishes Dubai as the inaugural global platform for Fall/Winter collections, positioning the city ahead of traditional fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, and New York. The week opened with a landmark presentation by Italian luxury house Alberta Ferretti, marking a significant European endorsement of Dubai’s growing fashion influence.
The closing ceremony will feature iconic Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, returning after his critically acclaimed AW25–26 finale. Scheduled for February 6th, Malhotra’s show promises to showcase his signature fusion of Indian craftsmanship with Middle Eastern aesthetics, including sequined abayas, fluid kaftans, and precision tailoring designed for GCC luxury consumers.
Additional highlights include the debut of John Richmond’s ‘Viva Richmond!’ collection on February 2nd. The London-based label, renowned for dressing music icons like Madonna and David Bowie, will present a music-inspired retrospective of its creative legacy.
Beyond the runway, this edition emphasizes substantive industry dialogue around sustainability, inclusivity, and digital innovation. Curated talks and panels will address circular fashion economies, eco-conscious materials, and representation diversity, aligning Dubai Fashion Week with broader global fashion conversations.
The event has simultaneously strengthened its commercial infrastructure through expanded buyer programs and showrooms that connect international retailers with both emerging and established labels. This enhanced business ecosystem positions Dubai Fashion Week as equally focused on artistic expression and long-term commercial impact, solidifying Dubai’s role in shaping fashion’s future.