Italian fashion style is set to return to Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) this autumn with La Moda Italiana Vol. 2. This return will be in the form of ‘The Italian Day in Dubai’ on 3 September 2025, day three of DFW Spring/Summer 2026. Presented by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with DFW, the special day dedicated to Italian fashion talent will see six of Italy’s most dynamic fashion houses unveil their Spring/Summer 2026 collections in an exciting line-up of runway shows, all in celebration of ‘Made in Italy’.
For this edition of DFW, ITA is joined by Italian associations CNA (Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises) and Confartigianato (General Confederation of Artisans and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises) as partners
“As d3 celebrates over a decade of nurturing design excellence, this new and expanded edition of Dubai Fashion Week shows how we have grown together,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group. “With a rich legacy of influencing the regional landscape, DFW is actively championing sustainability, innovation, and diversity in the global design narrative, cementing Dubai’s position as the destination of choice for fashion and creative talent from around the world.”
Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer, Arab Fashion Council, said: “With new countries joining our runway, a strengthened Buyers Programme, and transformative conversations led by Threads Talks, this season represents a powerful evolution of our platform. We’re not just showcasing collections – we’re building a creative economy rooted in diversity, design diplomacy, and long-term commercial impact. DFW SS26 is a bold statement of where fashion is going, and the world is watching.”
Global expansion continues
This season marks a significant milestone as Germany, the Netherlands, and Croatia make their official runway debut at DFW, further reinforcing the platform’s growing influence and international reach. Among the newcomers are Maison Novague from Germany, Chic & Holland from the Netherlands, and XD Xenia from Croatia – each bringing distinct creative narratives and cultural aesthetics to the runway.
Couture and ready-to-wear: A bold and diverse lineup
The couture calendar’s diverse mix of global talents features Maison Rizman Ruzaini (Malaysia), Heba Jasmi, Michael Cinco, and Kresha Bajaj (India), and Erick Bendaña (Nicaragua), as well as Maison Novague and Chic & Holland.
The ready-to-wear lineup welcomes a powerful cohort of returning and first-time brands such as Weinsanto (France) supported by the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, British Iraqi designer Tara Babylon,, Les Benjamins
(Turkey), XD Xenia (Croatia), Jozéph Diarbakerli (Canada), Fioletowy and London School of Trends (India), Linen Obsession, Otte, Benang Jarum, Nada Puspita, Jozeph Diarbakerli ,That Concept, Buttonscarves , FLTRD, Dima Ayad, Lili Blanc, Mrs. Keepa, Lama Jouni, and BLSSD from the UAE.
The evening of the 3 September will open with a runway show by VP by Valentina Poltronieri, a fast-rising label defined by playful structure, vivid color palettes and a youthful spirit, that captures the essence of Italy’s next-gen creative wave. Le Twins, known for their fearless approach to feminine glamour, will then follow bringing their blend of high-energy styling and elegance to the DFW runway. Cose Di Maglia will be the third show of the evening. They elevate knitwear heritage into a new era, with sleek, sculpted silhouettes and exquisite craftsmanship that marry tradition with luxury.
Gil Santucci, one of the boldest voices in Italy’s fashion scene, will then deliver a statement of individuality through architectural shapes and avant-garde layering. This will be followed by Avant Toi representing Italian experimental luxury. They will bring a collection that merges artistic dyeing techniques with high-tech fabric innovation, redefining knitwear through texture and tone. Be Nina, a label synonymous with poetic femininity and refined power dressing, will then close the evening with a showcase that is rooted in emotional storytelling and precise Italian tailoring.
Lorenzo Fanara, Italian Ambassador to the UAE, said: “I am proud that the UAE has been selected by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a high-priority country to showcase and promote Made in Italy fashion and design through the “Days of Italian Fashion in the World”. The UAE has long been an important market for Italian fashion, and today it is increasingly emerging as a hub where creativity, innovation and style can thrive. Initiatives like this not only highlight our shared passion for excellence but also unlock new opportunities for partnerships and trade.
Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE, said: “In a key global market like the United Arab Emirates, Italian fashion stands as a true testament to timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship. The remarkable +18.8% surge in Italian fashion exports to the UAE during the first five months of 2025, reaching nearly 620 million euros and overperforming the already relevant 17% grow in the overall Italian exports to the Country, isn’t just a number—it’s a clear reflection of a deep appreciation for the quality and artistry that define “Made in Italy”. This growth cements Italy’s position as the second-largest fashion exporter to the region, holding a significant 16% market share. Italian fashion isn’t merely about clothing; it’s a story of heritage, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that resonates with thriving innovation and culture permeating the UAE landscape.”
“Dubai Design District partnerships with the Italian creative scene continue to grow and flourish through the SS26 edition of Dubai Fashion Week, the second edition to feature ITA’s participation,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group. “The Italian Day in Dubai builds on our ongoing collaborations – including recent agreements with leading Milan Design Week institutions – that are advancing cultural and creative exchange between Dubai and Italy. As the home of Dubai Fashion Week, we remain committed to championing innovation and global talent, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for creativity and design.”
Jacob Abrian, Chief Executive Officer, Arab Fashion Council, said: “With the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Collaboration leading the way, La Moda Italiana Vol. 2 becomes more than a fashion showcase—it represents a celebration of creativity and the strong ties between Italy and Dubai. This collaboration opens new opportunities for designers and entrepreneurs, fostering an ecosystem where innovation, commerce, and cultural exchange continue to flourish beyond the runway.”
‘The Italian Day in Dubai’ further cements the cultural and creative bridges between Italy and the UAE. La Moda Italiana: Dubai Edition first debuted at DFW in September 2024, drawing significant attention from regional buyers, press, and tastemakers. Organised by the ITA in collaboration with DFW, the three-day exhibition welcomed 25 leading Italian brands across clothing, footwear, leather goods, and eyewear. The event marked a milestone in Italian–UAE fashion relations, showcasing Italy’s unparalleled craftsmanship and creative legacy, underscoring DFW as a gateway to strategic partnerships and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global fashion capital.
The ITA is a governmental organisation that, with the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is committed to supporting the business development of Italian companies abroad and promoting foreign investment in Italy. With a motivated and modern organisation and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides comprehensive support, including information, assistance, consulting, promotion, and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses.
Co-founded by d3, the global creative ecosystem by TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, DFW represents the highest levels of excellence, foresight and diversity. The SS26 footprint will also extend citywide, with invite-only presentations, private dinners and collection launches hosted by global brands and industry stakeholders.
d3 opened its doors to the world in 2015 and today is home to more than 1,100 creative businesses and 20,000 creative professionals.
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