Evolution of Fashion

DUBAI: Janauary 20: Taking on from the success of its last edition, Dubai International Fashion Week, the region's top fashion trade event, is all set for a landmark re-launch. The Event is re-branded as Dubai Fashion Week, and the change endorses the enduring aspiration to build a successful & iconic industry platform. The weeklong fashion event will commence on March 16th and will be on till March 20th, 2008.

The upcoming fall winter 2008 edition will play a full house to designers, corporate concerns, retailers, buyers and the fashion fraternity who will descend to witness the launch. With both established and upcoming designers showcasing their collections simultaneously, Dubai Fashion Week 2008 seeks to offer the largest platform to fresh talent with the launch of its latest 'young generation' talent hunt category in addition to the regular 'Splash Emerging Talent contest'.

"It is vital that everyone across the fashion industry is committed to change; and the team at Dubai Fashion Week has been working together to this effect. The new logo takes us a step further to the event's evolution while integrating it to the global fashion industry.  The change also reflects our effort to bring the event's profile in sync with its global counterparts," said Aldrin Fernandes, CEO of Concept Group.
 
"DFW is aimed at providing an exclusive platform to develop opportunities for the region's fashion fraternity and will continue to focus on the business of fashion," he added.

"The rebranding is a part of a makeover and highlights our commitment to bring about changes that come as part of the event's maturity. Dubai Fashion Week's (DFW) new logo provides a discrete image in sync with the fashion events held worldwide. The new branding also gives a fresh lease to the event as it combines simplicity and grace while communicating the essence of the event. In addition we have added significant features and value to this season's event including the 'Young Generation Talent Hunt' contest," said Rohit Sabikhi, Director Fashion, DFW. 

Explaining the mechanics of 'Young Generation Talent', Rohit said, "It will give opportunity to select young designers to showcase their collection at Dubai Fashion Week to an accredited delegate list of buyers and media. It will give the selected young designers a common platform to interact and develop business relationships within the industry. The sponsored collection show shall display collections of some of the most outstanding young designers who are either graduating this season or have graduated in the last one year. This is an entry level show and designers selected to showcase will get an opportunity to apply for the Splash 'Emerging Talent Hunt', during the following season, hence providing an overall structured growth pattern to the industry and designers."

The selection process will require a written application along with required information material to be presented to the advisory board for selection. Up to 3-5 successful applicants will be invited to participate at Dubai Fashion Week in 'Young Generation Talent' group collection show.

The fashion week will span five days, and runway shows will be held as the event unveils the fall and winter collections of several designers from all over region, and select international designers.

-Ends-

About DFW:
Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is a trade event aimed at bringing together major advocates of the fashion industry by providing them a single platform. Overseen by an advisory board, DFW enables local and regional designers and fashion houses to present their collection to global and regional buyers, celebrities, media, fashionistas and the general public.

DFW was conceived and is produced by Concept Events, a member of Concept Group, and a full service event management company with wide expertise and experience of managing corporate events, seminars and exhibitions, as well as live entertainment, award ceremonies and trade shows. DIFW® and Dubai International Fashion Week® are registered trademarks and Concept Events continues to bear rights to their usage.

About The Dubai Mall:
Located in the heart the prestigious Downtown Burj Dubai, The Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, will be the premier lifestyle destination for shopping and entertainment. With a total internal floor area of 5.9 million sq ft, The Dubai Mall will have 3.77 million sq ft of gross leasable space with more than 1,200 retail outlets, two anchor department stores and more than 150 food and beverage outlets. The Dubai Mall offers an unparalleled retail mix combined with world-class dining, entertainment and leisure attractions that will revolutionise the concept of the shopping mall experience. Here, you'll find the world's largest single volume Aquarium featuring a 180-degree walkthrough tunnel and the world's largest indoor Gold Souk. A 440,000 sq ft fashion precinct dedicated to haute couture will confirm Dubai's position as a global fashion hub. Kidzania an innovative children's 'edu-tainment' concept debuting in the region for the first time, an 85,000 sq ft SEGA Entertainment Complex, a 22-screen Cineplex and an Olympic-size Ice Rink will keep adults and children entertained all day. For visitors, there is an adjoining 5-Star Hotel and undercover car parks with over 14,000 spaces. The Dubai Mall will open in late 2008, and expects more than 30 million visitors within the first year of trade. 

For further information please contact:
Nilanjana Ghosh
Concept Group
Tel +9714 390 31 31
Fax +9714 368 80 38
nilanjana.g@conceptgroup.ae

Naveed A. Pirzada
Concept PR
Tel +9714 375 76 32
Fax +9714 368 80 53
naveed.p@conceptgroup.ae

© Press Release 2008