Alberta Ferretti to open Dubai Fashion Week in February
Italian luxury fashion house Alberta Ferretti will debut its autumn/winter 2026 collection during Dubai Fashion Week in February to mark its first full-scale showcase in the Middle East.
Dubai Fashion Week_ co-founded by D3_ the creative eco-system by Tecom Group PJSC_ and the Arab Fashion Council_ will take place from February 1 to 6_ positioned ahead of New York Fashion Week_ as it looks to strengthen its position within the international fashion calendar.
The autumn/winter 2026 edition will feature local homegrown talents from the Middle East_ including Dubai-based luxury brand_s Asjad_ Mrs.Keepa and Lili Blanc_ Lebanese designer Lama Jouni_ and luxury streetwear label BLSSD_ pronounced "blessed_” based in Dubai and Beirut_ as well as designers from the UK_ the US_ Italy_ India_ France_ and Vietnam.
Alberta Ferretti will host a catwalk showcase on February 1_ with a collection that “reflects the refined craftsmanship and emotional sensibility that define my personal vision of the brand_” explains creative director Lorenzo Serafini.
Massimo Ferretti_ executive chairman of Alberta Ferretti_s parent company Aeffe Group_ added: “Dubai represents an extraordinary crossroads of cultures_ creativity_ and global business. Presenting the new Alberta Ferretti collection within Dubai Fashion Week is a strategic opportunity that reflects our commitment to expanding the international presence of the brand. We are proud to open this season and to contribute to a platform that continues to shape the future of fashion worldwide.”
Other highlights include showcases from British designer John Richmond_ American retailer Anthropologie_ UK-based fashion label Narma_ founded by Saudi designer Nouf Al-Rashed_ and emerging Parisian luxury brand Weinsanto_ who is supported by the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode_ alongside Vietnam-based fashion brands L_Scarlett and Soramame_ as well as the Timberland x Emergency Room collaboration.
Khadija Al Bastaki_ senior vice president of Dubai Design District (D3)_ part of Tecom Group_ said in a statement: “Dubai Fashion Week is a reflection of D3_s role as a global platform where creativity transforms into tangible success_ and we are excited for the next edition that will build on our growth so far.
“We look forward to welcoming returning labels and a new cohort of brands and more_ further strengthening the bridge between designers and retailers at DFW_ and expanding pathways to international markets. The diversity and momentum we witness each season speak to the appetite of fashion audiences worldwide_ and the fact that this is happening in our city reinforces Dubai_s position as a global hub for fashion and creativity.”
The AW26/27 edition of the DFW Buyer_s Programme_ which aims to identify early-stage and growth brands with global potential_ will also welcome a roster of top-tier international buyers_ including major global platforms such as Revolve_ alongside leading department stores_ concept retailers_ and digital marketplaces.
Mohammed Aqra_ chief strategy officer at the Arab Fashion Council_ added: “Welcoming Alberta Ferretti as our guest brand reflects the growing strength of Dubai Fashion Week. This collaboration reinforces our belief that Dubai is not just part of the global fashion conversation_ it is helping lead it. Together_ we continue to connect the region with the world_s most influential fashion voices.
“Fashion today extends beyond geography and tradition_ defined instead by timing_ relevance_ and purpose. DFW exists at that intersection. Opening the autumn/winter 2026/27 allows us to influence not just when collections are seen_ but how designers enter the global conversation and supporting commercial outcomes while reinforcing Dubai_s position as gateway between regional creativity and global markets. This edition reflects a shift toward a more connected_ experience-led fashion ecosystem.”
Previous editions of Dubai Fashion Week have welcomed international designer brands_ including Carolina Herrera and Roberto Cavalli.