Dubai – MENA Herald: Dubai Shopping Festival’s 21st edition is shining brightly with a unique and glamorous activation – the Street Runways - that has moved high-end fashion into the streets of Dubai.
The inaugural Street Runway, the first fashion show of its kind in the region, was held in the historical district of Al Fahidi on 18 January in partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and in collaboration with Paris Gallery. Fashionistas can look forward to enjoying two more Street Runways at Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai on 23 January and Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai on 25 January. All hair and makeup at the Street Runways are presented by Paris Gallery.
At the Al Fahidi Street Runway, a collection of elegant international labels, with a vintage feel, were modeled while guests experienced a unique atmosphere that brought luxury Parisian fashion to the historical district.
Models utilized Al Fahidi’s unique alleyways as catwalks, showing off beautiful and classic apparel from some of the world’s finest vintage labels. The Parisian café ambience enchanted the audience who sat at Parisian coffee tables lining alleyways and around the courtyard. Paris, the capital of beauty and fashion, was captured by the collections displayed to the tunes of classic French music. The collections featured elegant day and evening wear that ranged in material from lace to leather, with accessories complementing the looks with rich antique pieces.
The setup of the event was modeled to recreate a French evening, allowing the models to enact brief encounters between friends. Chic seating arrangements allowed the audience to immerse in the runway experience.
Amongst the select audience of this private event was H.E. Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as well as other attendees including senior DFRE officials, top fashion media, designers and brand owners.
Culture Meets Fashion
Basma Ghoul, owner of “House OF Glamz” in Jumeirah, said, “I have a store for vintage designs where I sell classic designs from luxury international labels. When I was presented with the opportunity to participate in this street runway, I instantly loved the idea as I felt like it was a great fit to the type of apparel showcased at my store. I was very excited be a part of this runway where I presented six full outfits from clothes to accessories, shoes, and bags.”
“The idea of this runway is totally new. It’s a beautiful mix of culture, heritage, and authenticity with fashion, elegance, and class. I am really happy with this experience, which has given me the chance to bring my store to the limelight and to launch these items for the audience to enjoy. I am very grateful to DSF for organizing this event and I would like to thank Paris Gallery for bringing their experts and specialists on board to take care of the models’ hair and make up.”
Micha Maatouck, owner of Garderobe, said “I’m happy to have taken part in this exceptional event which has given me the chance to display some of my store’s most beautiful items. I contributed to the runway with 6 full outfits. Their quirky splendor was attention grabbing. I would like to thank DSF for supporting us.”
“What was particularly beautiful about this runway was its location which really captures the origin and heritage of Dubai and which was in perfect harmony with the fashion and music. It was a really special occasion that succeeded in delivering its unique essence. Everything went really well today from the organization to the direction with attention to the smallest of details.”
This neighborhood, owing to its strategic location near Dubai Creek, has played a pivotal role in fostering overseas trade relationships. Currently, Al Fahidi District buildings are being utilized to host a number of cultural and artistic galleries, museums, associations, events, and centers.
The 21st edition of Dubai Shopping Festival has more than 150 events under its wing over the 32 days which started on Jan 1st and will run until Feb 1st under the tagline ‘Unwrap The Exceptional’.