Designer Nadya Dzyak turned a Friday at Dubai Design District in a glamorous affair with her candy-colored and sky-inspired dresses on the Fashion Forward Dubai October 2019 runway – bringing a whimsical feel to the day’s opening show.

Attendees were then treated to Atelier Zuhra’s sartorial extravaganza. If Cinderella had to hire a designer to dress her for 2050, she’d turn to Atelier Zuhra’s designs. Fairytale met futuristic design as the label played on our heartstrings with tulle, feather, crystal-embellished pieces that are ideal for red carpets.

As we enter the final day of Fashion Forward Dubai October 2019 today, here’s what’s in store for the grand finale.

Beginning with one of the favorite ready-to-wear brands in the region, Mrs. Keepa is preparing to bring a fashion spectacle to FFWD this year. The French-Egyptian designer will be followed by Palestinian designer Reema Al Banna with her wake surf, print-based line-up, and a masterclass on how to pitch brands to buyers. The afternoon continues with a partner show by retail conglomerate Splash, followed by Dubai-based brand Lobster Claw, and a d3 fashion talk with A-list celebrities.

Ushering in the evening is Tanya Skaff’s 60’s enthused collection, Italian luxury brand Behnoode, along with the much-awaited discussion on sustainability and its future in the world of fashion. Wrapping up the most stylish event of the year is Beirut-based couture designer Hass Idriss and d3’s very own avant-garde label Amato.

Celebrating the success of Fashion Forward Dubai’s October Edition, guests can dance their way to Experiment by Sky 2.0 to attend the most fabulous closing party of the year.

Below, our primer on the most important news and talking points to anticipate

Exaggerated Silhouettes by Mrs.Keepa

Originally from Egypt, Mrs.Keepa was founded by Mariam Yeya in 2016. The ready-to-wear brand is primarily known for its glamorous designs, which are adorned continuously by celebrities. For the FFWD October 2019 edition, the edgy brand is bringing together a collection reflecting the Japanese culture and interpreting it into African prints. The “Les Silhouettes” line-up is set to exaggerate shapes with versatile fabric choices, including leather, denim, tweed, cotton, faux fur, linen, and feathers. About Mrs Keepa

A Wake Surfing Collection by Reemami

The Dubai-based label “Reemami” made a prominent mark in the city’s fashion landscape when Reema Al Banna established it in 2009. The designer has a knack for creating innovative and powerful silhouettes – making her brand one of the most reputable labels in the region. Her love for water sports inspires Reemami’s latest collection. About Reemami

Learn How to Perfectly Pitch your Brand to Buyers

Speakers: Maria Muñoz, Co-Founder, Maison Pyramide, Julia Macrae, Buyer, Level Shoes, Zeina Ladki, Brand Consultant, Joanna Laura Constantine, Founder And Designer

Moderated by: Rani Ilmi, Frame Publicity Founder

Launching a new brand can be nerve-wracking, but with the right help, anything is possible. With the expertise of three entrepreneurs, guests can witness a discussion panel between Co-Founder of Maison Pyramide Maria Muñoz, Buyer at Level Shoes Jula Macrae, Brand Consultant Zeina Ladki, as well as Founder of Joanna Laura Constantine. In a world where social media rules, it’s vital to know how to use it to your advantage. Queue the masterclass; this is the place to be for guests who want to kickstart their business ideas.

Partner Show by Splash

Presenting a wide range of clothing, the Middle East’s largest fashion retailer is coming to Fashion Forward Dubai. The exclusive runway show is showcasing stylish looks and a gamut of international brands including Lee Cooper, Bossini, ELLE, as well as Being Human. The retail store is also committed to source at least 50 percent of its total cotton from sustainable practices by 2020, joining other fashion brands as they promote the eco-conscious trend.

Fields of Freedom by Lobster Claw

Dubai’s home-grown luxury brand, Lobster Claw, will take center stage at Fashion Forward Dubai with a contemporary collection inspired by cherry blossoms. The glamorous ready-to-wear label designs a wide range of clothing from cocktail and mini dresses to jumpsuits and beachwear. This year, Rodica Miron – the creative director – established her brand when she struck by a unique flower called the Lobster Claw in Bali. Since then, her collections have an allusion to flora. Discover the “Fields of Freedom” at the October 2019 Edition of FFWD. About Lobster Claw

The Power of a Brand and Celebrity Collaboration

Speaker: Joelle Maridinian, CEO, Joelle Group and Sharmila Murat, Vice President, Tryano & Saks Fifth Avenue Middle East

Moderated by: Ritu Upadhyay, WWD, Middle East Bureau Chief

In a city where collaborations are everything – Giambattista Valli and H&M, Huda Kattan, and Tweezerman – it’s becoming quicker for businesses to participate in brand and celebrity tie-ups. With the help of famous entrepreneur Joelle Maridinian and retail decision-maker Sharmila Murat, visitors can hear the experts provide tips on the power of A-list personalities in the line of business.

Tanya Skaff Takes us Back to the ‘60s

Born in Africa, Tanya Skaff is recognized for her particular interest in textiles and tailoring. Walking down Skaff’s runway, guests can expect symmetrical shapes combined with exotic prints that take you back to the ’60s. The fashion designer uses op art and mechanical engineering – an odd but unique – combination for her latest collection. The label’s line-up emphasizes silhouettes, with different fabrication methods and technology integration. Skaff’s collection also promises to be an ode to women’s empowerment. About Tanya Skaff

Time Zones by Behnoode

The Persian fashion designer Behnood Javaherpour makes his return to Dubai’s most stylish event, Fashion Forward Dubai. The renowned label Behnoode was founded in 2005, and since then, it has expanded over the global fashion market. A ready-to-wear brand that designs seamless men’s and women’s garments is showcasing a unique selection at the October 2019 Edition. The designer said his collection was inspired by the phrase: “Take me away to a different place in time.” Every year, Behnood incorporates works of modern and contemporary artists with his fine tailoring, and now, attendees can witness his masterpieces – first-hand. About Behnoode

What Sustainability Means in the World of Fashion

Speaker: Payal Kshatriya-Cerri, Brand Consultant – Sarayū , Former Wovens’ Director , Chanel, Shahd Alshehail, Social Entrepreneur, Co-Founder, Abadia, Project Just, and Reema Al Banna, Designer, Reemami

Moderated by: Hannah Rasekh, Digital Entrepreneur, Sustainability Consultant, Master’s Student-Fashion Sustainability

Today’s key focus is sustainability. From Dior to Stella McCartney, several high-fashion brands are becoming more eco-conscious. To localize this concept, FFWD is hosting an extensive talk on what future it holds in the fashion landscape. Payal Kshatriya-Cerri, Shahd AlShehail, and Reema Al Banna discuss how brands are adapting accordingly, and why the remaining labels need to join the cause.

Environment-friendly Couture by Hass Idriss

Beirut-based designer Hass Idriss expanded over the global landscape of fashion when he hosted his first show at London Fashion Week in 2009. This year, the designer brings his opulent designs from Idriss’s latest collection, “She Rises at Dusk,” to Fashion Forward Dubai. Working with art technology, the finest quality of material, his client list is a testament to his prodigy. After spending hundreds of hours on developing the perfect collection, Hass Idriss is ready to take the stage with his dashing couture sensibility. About Hass Idris

Couture Dreams by Amato

The couture brand launched in 2002, and in the matter of a few years, Amato became one of the leading avant-garde labels in the region. The brainchild of creative designer Furne One, who partnered with textile expert Rashid Ali, has luxury at its core. From the very beginning, Amato reached out to the region’s most elite and invited women to a revolutionary style renaissance. The brand has previously dressed Mariah Carey – who recently wore Amato’s gown during a performance in Dubai – Ariana Grande, Beyonce, and Britney Spears. This year, Amato will go all-out with its latest collection ‘Coronation of the Virgin.” The designer said, “My collection is inspired by the portal of Santa Maria Forisportam wall sculpture in Lucca. Tuscany, Italy.” Say your goodbyes while the couturier sends out dreamy, bigger-than-life gowns that leave you wanting more. About Amato

Fashion Forward Dubai October 2019 Edition, from October 30 to November 2, Dubai Design District