As an art form, fashion is known for its ability to evolve with time and look forward – whether in textures, designs or even by capital. Traditionally, the term ‘fashion capital’ has been deemed to belong on the streets of Paris, Rome, London and New York, but in 2008 all that changed as Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, hosted its first fashion week, and its ascent in the global fashion stakes has not slowed since.
Abu Dhabi, labelled as the wealthiest emirate, is rapidly establishing itself as the luxury fashion capital of the Middle East. The 2008 show certainly set a new standard in the fashion industry within 18 months. For the top regional designers, Abu Dhabi Fashion Week also provided a platform to participate in the other great international fashion weeks. Designers such as Milia Maroun, an Abu Dhabi Fashion Week designer, enjoyed enormous success and became the first ever Arabian designer to show her collection at Milan Fashion Week in 2008. Alice Teeuwen of Maven, the creator of the Abu Dhabi Fashion Week, says, “Fashion is one of the largest global industries, and this region is globally significant within that industry. The number of top executives from some of the world’s largest design houses, retailers and brands coming to the Abu Dhabi Fashion Week is testimony to the importance of the fashion industry in this region.”
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