There’s something undeniably magical about starting the weekend with sun-kissed beachside luxury and fashion-forward flair, and that’s exactly what unfolded at the collaboration between Maison de la Plage and Harvey Nichols – Dubai this past Saturday. Held at the glamorous West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, the event, which officially kicked off on October 5th, marked a pivotal moment in Dubai’s fashion calendar, symbolizing the crossover between winter fashion in Dubai and summer collections for retailers across the GCC. As we transition into the cooler months, the energy and excitement of the day signaled that the season ahead promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Let’s take you on a journey through the highlights of the event—an evening that blended haute couture, live music, and seaside serenity for a truly unforgettable experience. From the latest fashion collections by world-renowned designers to the luxurious setting, Harvey Nichols and Maison de la Plage’s joint affair raised the bar for Dubai’s fashion scene.
A New Era of Beachside Fashion
Maison de la Plage provided the perfect canvas for this runway extravaganza. With its French Riviera-inspired décor and pristine beachfront, the venue evoked a sense of European coastal glamour right in the heart of Dubai. A stone’s throw from the vibrant pulse of the city, West Beach exudes a chic tranquility that made it the ideal locale for this event—a fusion of fashion and laid-back luxury.
But what truly made this affair ICONIC was how it merged two seemingly opposing seasons: the cool winter days fast approaching Dubai, and the perpetual summer that retailers in the region embrace year-round. For fashion lovers in the GCC, winter doesn’t necessarily mean bundling up—rather, it’s a chance to redefine summer elegance in a way that’s tailored for the cooler months, all while keeping up with international fashion cycles.
As the models strutted down the runway under the warm sunset glow, guests were treated to a glimpse of Jacquemus, Alaïa, Missoni, Oseree, Paco Rabanne, and many more international designers, whose collections epitomized chic beachside fashion. From flowing, ethereal dresses to structured, bold swimwear, each piece showcased the unique tension between high fashion and the breezy elegance one expects from seaside style.
Jacquemus wowed the crowd with minimalist lines and soft pastel hues that whispered of Mediterranean summers. Missoni, of course, stayed true to its signature zigzag prints, delivering kaleidoscopic designs that transformed the runway into a living, breathing work of art. And then there was Paco Rabanne, whose metallic details and structured silhouettes added a touch of futuristic glamour to the beachside show.
Fashion Meets Entertainment
It wasn’t just the clothes that dazzled the attendees. Live music filled the air, creating a laid-back yet sophisticated ambiance that made everyone feel like they were living their best lives. As a DJ spun a seamless mix of lounge and tropical house tracks, guests sipped on refreshing cocktails while lounging in Maison de la Plage’s private cabanas. The sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the scene—an image straight out of a Vogue editorial shoot.
Then, came the sweet surprise: a branded Harvey Nichols and Maison de la Plage gelato cart serving up delectable scoops of artisanal ice cream. Whether it was indulging in a creamy pistachio or cooling off with a tangy sorbet, the gelato provided a delightful intermission between the fashion displays, offering a sweet, sensory escape.
For us, the event was a chance to not only witness these jaw-dropping fashion moments but also to pause and reflect on the milestones we’ve celebrated over the summer. As the season shifts, it felt only right to toast to the success of these past few months and look forward to what winter has in store—not just for fashion, but for the way it will continue to shape our lifestyles here in Dubai and beyond. Sitting with the girlies, champagne in hand, we reminisced on summer’s golden moments, while simultaneously looking ahead to the fashionable winter season.
In Dubai, winter is always more than just a season—it’s the start of something new. It’s when global fashion houses start planting their flag in the sand (quite literally, in this case) and bringing their latest collections to the forefront of the retail landscape. It’s when the city’s social scene starts to rev up, with every weekend promising a new collaboration, a new launch, and a new opportunity to dress to the nines.
The High Season: Winter in Dubai
Unlike most parts of the world, where winter is synonymous with layers of wool and down jackets, Dubai’s winter marks the peak of the social and retail calendar. The weather turns perfect—think balmy 25-degree Celsius days—and the city comes alive with outdoor events, beach clubs, and fashion shows like this one. From the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to the Dubai Shopping Festival, the next few months will be a whirlwind of glamorous gatherings and exclusive launches.
For the fashion-conscious crowd, winter in Dubai and the broader GCC region is all about reinterpreting summer collections for cooler temperatures. Lightweight fabrics still reign supreme, but you’ll see them paired with oversized blazers, statement accessories, and ankle boots. At the Maison de la Plage event, this fusion of summer and winter was on full display. The collections struck a balance between carefree beach vibes and the structured sophistication that winter fashion demands.
This unique fashion dynamic is what makes winter in Dubai stand out. As international brands vie for attention in one of the world’s most lucrative retail markets, they’re tasked with creating collections that not only align with global trends but also resonate with the region’s distinctive climate and aesthetic preferences. Harvey Nichols – Dubai has been at the forefront of this movement, seamlessly blending international style with local tastes.
Speaking of Harvey Nichols, the luxury department store has long been an emblem of high fashion and bespoke shopping experiences in Dubai. Spanning over 136,900 square feet and showcasing more than 300 international and local brands, the store has cemented itself as a go-to destination for the city’s elite shoppers. Whether it’s through personal styling services or exclusive designer collaborations like the one we witnessed at Maison de la Plage, Harvey Nichols consistently elevates the luxury retail experience in the region.
What stood out at this event was how Harvey Nichols curated its runway show to reflect the tastes of Dubai’s discerning clientele. The designers on display offered a mix of global trendsetters and emerging talents, ensuring there was something for every fashionista in attendance. From Alaïa’s sultry, sculptural designs to the playful, flirty cuts of Oseree, each look was a testament to Harvey Nichols’ ability to cater to a variety of styles while maintaining an unwavering commitment to luxury.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Fashion in the GCC
The collaboration between Maison de la Plage and Harvey Nichols isn’t just another event on Dubai’s packed social calendar—it’s a signal of the growing importance of fashion in the region. As Dubai and the wider GCC continue to establish themselves as global fashion capitals, events like this one play a crucial role in shaping the region’s style narrative.
For fashion retailers, winter in the GCC presents a unique opportunity. With temperatures remaining warm enough to support summer collections but cool enough to experiment with winter layering, brands are increasingly focusing on the region as a key market for seasonal launches. This dual-season dynamic allows for more versatility in collections, and the appetite for luxury fashion in Dubai shows no signs of slowing down.
And it’s not just about the clothes. The Middle East’s booming luxury market extends to beauty, fine jewelry, and lifestyle experiences—sectors where Harvey Nichols continues to lead the way. As brands double down on experiential retail and exclusive collaborations, we can expect to see more high-profile events like this one shaping the fashion landscape in Dubai and beyond.
As the evening drew to a close at Maison de la Plage, we left with more than just Instagram-worthy photos and fashion inspiration. We left with a renewed sense of excitement for what winter holds in Dubai—a season that promises to be as luxurious, vibrant, and stylish as ever. With Harvey Nichols – Dubai leading the charge, and venues like Maison de la Plage providing the perfect backdrop, the future of fashion in the GCC looks brighter than ever.
So here’s to a fabulous winter ahead, filled with runway moments, beachside glamour, and endless opportunities to celebrate style in all its forms. Until the next event, we’ll be counting down the days, dreaming of more Saturday vibes with Mason & Harvey.
