The World’s Only Ready-Couture Fashion Event is back

Dubai, UAE – 19 September 2016: The Arab Fashion Council (AFC), a Dubai based non-profit fashion association promoting ‘Ready-Couture from around the world has officially announced the venue for the third edition of the highly anticipated Huawei Arab Fashion Week (HAFW). The bi-annual event is taking place from October 6th-10th at the iconic Meydan Hotel and will be presented by Huawei.

HAFW aims to promote and realize the dreams of designers from the Arab world and beyond by providing them with an exclusive opportunity to showcase their creativity. At the same time, the mandate of the AFC looks to pave the way for international designers within the region who are looking to make their mark on the Middle Eastern fashion scene.

The team behind HAFW looks to establish the UAE and specifically Dubai, as the destination for ‘Ready Couture’ – a term coined by the Arab Fashion Council in 2014 – which bridges the Arab fashion market and wider international industry. The AFC is looking to cement Dubai’s position as the fifth international fashion hub alongside New York, London, Milan and Paris.

Commenting on the fashion calendar event for the wider Arab region, Jacob Abrian, CEO of the Arab Fashion Council said, “The Arab Fashion Week presents for the first time the men’s Ready-Couture, renewing its commitment to support the development of entrepreneurship and fashion industry. Thanks to dedicated workshops and presentations in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), fashion experts and buyers will be able to both attend fashion shows as well as seek opportunities to learn about advanced techniques in the textile and embroidery sectors. The designers and businesses will find at their disposal a comprehensive support platform to facilitate the most interesting proposals and creative visions”.

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.”

Set to take place at the iconic The Meydan Hotel Dubai from October 6th-10th, the Arab Fashion Week will share its new home with major international events such as the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, held annually in March.

“The Meydan Hotel is pleased to partner with Arab Fashion Council to host the third season of Huawei Arab Fashion Week in Dubai,” said Reuben Mifsud – Cluster General Manager at Meydan. “As a luxury five-star hotel and bespoke events venue, The Meydan Hotel not only offers the ultimate experience for fashion enthusiasts and urban lifestyle trend-setters throughout the fashion week, but also provides luxurious spacious accommodation for the organizers and guests of any events that are hosted within The Meydan Hotel Complex throughout the year.”

The AFC brings together fashion, technology and design across the region and acts as an incubator, supporting young talent, and helping them to develop a strong fashion brand. Its main aim is to create an effective, proven system of production now taking shape in the UAE and branching out thanks to the support of international fashion industry pioneers. Part of the Council’s mandate is to create opportunities to develop synergies with leading European manufacturers and Arab designers to develop a network of commercial connections that can give Arab talent exposure to international platforms.

For more information please visit www.dubaifashionweek.org / www.arabfashioncouncil.com