Abu Dhabi Fashion Week

Vittorio Missoni, Laudomia Pucci, Maria Luisa Trussardi, Albino D'Amato and Calvin Klein CEO, Giuseppe Rossi will be in the capital to display the Autumn/Winter 2008/09 collections from their labels for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Fashion Week to be held at the Emirates Palace Hotel from March 15 to 18.

Buyers from Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and the editors-in-chief of Vogue and Elle magazines are also expected to be present at the event that has been organised by Maven Corporate in collaboration with Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, organisers of Milan Fashion Week.

The four-day event will feature four shows daily. It will open with a collection designed by grade 11 students from Sheikh Zayed Private Academy in Abu Dhabi. The 21 Emirati girls have created a fusion collection that blends the traditions and culture of this region with latest runway trends. The garments embellished with palm fronds, fishing nets and camel decorations will later be auctioned for charity.

Designers from the region participating in the event include Emirati Aisha Desmal, UAE-based designers Amber Feroz and Rabia Z, Amina Al Jassim from Saudi Arabia, Pakistani designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin and Maison Rabih Kyarouz, Gardem, Layla Kouris, Moe Khadra and Milia M from Lebanon.

"We launched this event with the goal of providing infrastructure and support to talented designers from this region and to give them opportunities to showcase their creativity on a global platform," says Alice Teeuwen, chairman, Maven. "Thanks to our collaboration with Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana Milia Maroun, who participated in our launch event in November, became the first Arab designer to showcase her collection at Milan Fashion Week this year. We hope to take many more designers from this region to major international shows and to bring emerging European designers such as Albino to Abu Dhabi," she adds.

Entry to the Abu Dhabi Fashion Week is by invitation only. For registration go to www.abudhabifashionweek.com.