The second edition of Dubai Fashion Days, sponsored by Meraas, saw the debut of 12 new fashion lines from some of China’s most exciting up-and-coming designer labels at exclusive catwalk launches directed by China’s ‘father of fashion’ Jerry Zhang. Under his stewardship, the Rotunda by Caesar’s Palace Bluewaters Dubai was transformed into an elegant runway providing the perfect backdrop for the brand showcases.

Each brand presented up to 40 looks from its new lines, with top 2019 Miss Model of the World models donning the new looks with practiced flair. Anastasiia Ushakova from Russia, the competition’s 2019 winner, was the showstopper for Tony and Tony’s concluding show.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the brands that received an overwhelming response at the fashion extravaganza.

Xiong Ying’s Heaven Gaia fused traditional oriental design with contemporary glamour to showcase a resplendent collection that embodied the orient’s legendary craftsmanship with its intricate embroidery on silk. Beading, delicate lace, fringes and feathers all made an appearance at Jusere’s bridal collection featuring the season’s signature styles. The brand also hosted an exclusive bridal saloon in an intimate setting for the city’s VVIPs.

Tony and Tony’s collection epitomised luxury chic, featuring mosaic-like beadwork with frilly chiffon in pastel colours and quirky prints. Oriental Land’s, Wu Haiyan’s designs were reminiscent of China’s unique heritage and design. Her latest mystical collection transcended the ordinary with pieces that beautifully combined traditional Chinese cultural elements with in-vogue bright floral prints. Fishing Fashion’s haute couture collections highlighted the intensity of the Eastern colour palette with striking, experimental silhouettes and shapes.

Designers from the Middle East region included Canella Hostal, ESMOD’s Hana Al Assaf and Zarema Betisheva. Zarema Betisheva’s ‘Hummingbird Collection’ integrated her Middle Eastern heritage reflecting both oriental luxury and the region’s fine craftsmanship. Inspired by Hostal’s trip to Paris, her collection ‘Retro Nouvo’ sparkled with its bright and fresh colours.

In its first year, Hala China organised a slew of high-profile events and activities that have seen the Chinese community in the UAE and Chinese businesses foraying into the Middle East markets to explore new and exciting opportunities. Key events included two China film weeks in Dubai, the largest Chinese New Year celebrations hosted outside of China, a photography-art exhibition in China titled ‘Through Chinese Eyes’, ‘The Silk, Tea and Celadon: An Intercultural Dialogue on the Silk Road’, and the first Chinese group wedding at Dubai’s picturesque Love Lakes.