Day three of Dubai Fashion Week SS’25 was a spectacular showcase of local, regional, and international designers, each offering a unique perspective on the future of fashion. From Dima Ayad’s empowering celebration of femininity to Michael Cinco’s awe-inspiring ode to ancient Rome, the collections were a testament to innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship. This day stood out as a highlight in the fashion calendar, marking the intersection of tradition and modernity, and underscoring Dubai’s role as a global fashion capital.
Dima Ayad: Embracing the Power of Femininity
Lebanese designer Dima Ayad, known for her commitment to creating inclusive, sophisticated designs, made a strong statement with her Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Ayad’s vision of femininity was one of both strength and sensuality, where every piece on the runway radiated confidence. The collection was built around vibrant, colorful fabrics, with highlights including ombre satin, delicate floral sequins, and playful lace. These elements were masterfully balanced with structured silhouettes that celebrated the female form without restricting it.
What made this collection truly stand out was Ayad’s dedication to inclusivity. Her designs catered to women of all body types, offering something for every woman, regardless of size or shape. The transition from day to night was effortless, with pieces that could easily move from a casual daytime look to an elegant evening ensemble. It was a call for women to embrace their femininity as a source of strength, blending modesty with a modern, sexy edge.
Ayad’s use of color—bright blues, soft pastels, and rich earthy tones—felt like a breath of fresh air, reminiscent of a garden in full bloom. Each piece was carefully crafted to tell a story of empowerment, proving that femininity and strength are not mutually exclusive but rather deeply intertwined.
Anaya: Gaudí’s Reverie in Fashion Form
Anaya’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Gaudí’s Reverie, was a visual masterpiece, drawing from the rich architectural legacy of Antoni Gaudí, one of Spain’s most iconic visionaries. The collection encapsulated the essence of Gaudí’s work—nature-inspired motifs, organic shapes, and vibrant colors—translating them into wearable art. Anaya’s designs felt like walking sculptures, each piece meticulously crafted to evoke the whimsical yet profound nature of Gaudí’s architectural genius.
The collection featured glass organza, double-weave satins, and hand-dyed ombre beaded tulles, reflecting the textures and colors found in Gaudí’s work, particularly in masterpieces like Park Güell and Casa Batlló. The use of three-dimensional draping and laser cutting was a nod to the intricate mosaics and organic forms that are synonymous with Gaudí’s style. Ombre color dyeing brought a dynamic, fluid quality to the garments, making them appear as if they were in motion, much like the undulating facades of Gaudí’s buildings.
Each element of the runway presentation was meticulously thought out—from the choice of models to the accessories and music, all of which enhanced the storytelling aspect of the collection. Anaya’s Gaudí’s Reverie was a vivid celebration of passion, craftsmanship, and artistic ingenuity, proving that fashion can be as much about structure and form as it is about fabric and silhouette.
Heba Jasmi: A Bold Artistic Statement
Emirati designer Heba Jasmi delivered a bold and innovative collection with her debut of State of Art, a collection that exemplified her commitment to pushing the boundaries of high fashion. Jasmi’s work has always been known for its unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, and this collection was no exception. The designs celebrated the female form with flowing volumes and structured embroidery, creating silhouettes that were both soft and powerful.
The collection was dominated by intricate lacework and abstract embroidery prints, each garment a tapestry of bold artistic statements. Jasmi used vibrant colors—pinks, blues, and greens—that reflected the dynamic energy of her designs, while the flowing volumes added a sense of drama to the pieces. Her work with textures and patterns made the collection feel both grounded in tradition and completely forward-thinking, a perfect marriage of past and future.
What set State of Art apart was Jasmi’s ability to balance innovation with wearability. The pieces were undeniably high fashion, yet they also felt accessible, inviting the modern woman to embrace her own artistry through fashion.
Humariff: A Bridal Fantasy
Tamam Humariff’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection wasn’t just a celebration of nature’s beauty—it was a nod to the modern bride who seeks elegance, modesty, and timeless appeal. The collection was heavily infused with bridal aesthetics, blending traditional elements with contemporary design, making it a standout for the wedding scene.
The bridal gowns in Humariff’s collection were nothing short of breathtaking. Crafted with luxurious fabrics like velvet, taffeta, and layers of delicate tulle, the dresses embraced both volume and structure, evoking a sense of regal romance. Victorian-inspired drapery added a dramatic flair, while voluminous skirts gave each gown a fairytale-like quality. The collection’s use of soft whites, delicate blues, and pastel hues added a dreamlike serenity, making each dress feel like it belonged in a blooming garden.
What truly set this collection apart was Humariff’s masterful ability to cater to the modern bride’s desire for modesty without compromising on style. Wrapped, long-sleeve gowns were a defining feature, offering a blend of modesty and sophistication. These designs were ideal for brides seeking coverage, with high necklines and structured silhouettes that were both fashion-forward and respectful of traditional bridal norms.
The princess-style dresses in the collection were particularly captivating, with their full skirts and cinched waists creating a silhouette fit for royalty. These designs made a bold statement, commanding attention with their grandeur while remaining soft and feminine. The combination of the modest, long sleeves and voluminous skirts gave the collection a perfect balance of tradition and modernity, appealing to brides who want a gown that is both classic and contemporary.
Humariff’s bridal fantasy is not just for the traditional bride, though. These dresses could easily find their way into the wardrobes of women who desire a couture gown that exudes elegance and grace, regardless of the occasion. Yet, with every detail meticulously designed to evoke the grandeur of a wedding day, the collection left the audience longing for a ring and the promise of a happily ever after.
Michael Cinco: A Roman Opus
Closing day three of Dubai Fashion Week, Michael Cinco delivered a spectacular showcase that transported the audience to ancient Rome. Cinco’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection was a masterclass in blending historical grandeur with modern elegance. Drawing inspiration from the opulence of Roman fashion, Cinco’s designs were characterized by their intricate embellishments, luxurious fabrics, and regal silhouettes.
The collection featured gowns that were as grand as Roman architecture, with gold and silver accents woven throughout. It wasn’t just couture that Cinco delivered, though; his ready-to-wear pieces added a fresh take on smart casual fashion, offering a mix of practicality and high style. The standout moment was the debut of the Michael Cinco Luxury Micro Diamond Collection, a dazzling line that combined haute couture with a hint of technological innovation, marking a new chapter in luxury fashion.
Cinco’s runway presentation was a full sensory experience, complete with music and aesthetics that evoked the grandeur of ancient Rome while weaving in elements of Greek tradition. The models moved like Roman goddesses, draped in fabric that seemed to float as they walked, blending Dubai’s contemporary style with the timeless elegance of Roman fashion.
A Star-Studded Affair
The atmosphere on day three wasn’t just about the runway—glamour radiated from the crowd as influencers and celebrities turned the event into their own fashion stage. Among the standout looks were Filipino influencers like @rachel.camaclang and @leilauren_, who stole the spotlight with their bold, Blade Runner-inspired ensembles. Their futuristic outfits featured a mix of textures, lace, sequins, and statement sunglasses, channeling the edgy aesthetic of Gentle Monster with a sleek twist of Alexander Wang. This creative mix of avant-garde and high fashion added a layer of excitement to the crowd on the event, as these influencers flawlessly combined sharp tailoring with playful, futuristic elements, embodying the fearless spirit of modern fashion.
Fellow influencer @themaritur brought her own twist to the fashion scene with a striking face-covering ensemble that evoked the surrealism of a Coppola film. Her look was a bold mix of cinematic drama and high fashion, featuring a color block suit with textures that called to mind a crocodile femme fatale. The outfit was both avant-garde and captivating, blending mystery with power and adding an element of intrigue to the influencer-packed crowd.
Lavazza kept the energy flowing with their signature coffee treats, and I was lucky enough to be pampered by the Kiko Milano makeup team, led by the talented Blessing Chiny. The afternoon’s pampering was the perfect precursor to the evening’s grand finale, adding an extra layer of indulgence to an already luxurious day.
Day three of Dubai Fashion Week SS’25 was an unforgettable experience, where artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation came together to create magic on the runway. Each designer brought something unique to the table, from Dima Ayad’s empowering celebration of femininity to Michael Cinco’s awe-inspiring fusion of ancient and modern. The collections presented weren’t just about fashion—they were about telling stories, challenging norms, and redefining what it means to be stylish in the modern world. With influencers and celebrities adding their own flair to the event, and the runway serving as a platform for both established and emerging talent, Dubai Fashion Week is cementing its place as a global hub for fashion and creativity.
