Dubai Fashion Week Day 5: A Global Tapestry of Culture and Craftsmanship

As Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025-26 neared its grand finale, day five delivered a dynamic mix of tradition, nostalgia, and modern innovation. From THAT Concept Store’s multi-brand curation to Les Benjamins’ striking debut, the evening celebrated fashion as a bridge between heritage and contemporary expression. Here’s a look at the standout moments from the night.

THAT Concept Store

Kicking off the evening, THAT Concept Store curated a runway experience that blended the aesthetics of some of the industry’s most sought-after designers. The Spring/Summer 2025 showcase highlighted Hellessy’s refined minimalism, Christopher Esber’s effortless elegance, and Khaite’s mastery of tailoring. Philosophy added artistic sophistication, while Giuseppe di Morabito, Studio Amelia, and Rock by GS brought their unique takes on contemporary fashion. Rounding out the lineup, Bil Arabi’s statement jewellery added a bold and personal touch to the diverse presentation. Overall, it was a blending of genres and amalgamation of aesthetics, mixing hard with soft to striking effect. Lace, fringing asymmetry and embellishment gave dimension to dresses, and as the show progressed, silhouettes got slinkier and shinier, culminating in a final sequinned dress on Dubai Bling star Loujain Adada.

SaiJamin

Designer Jamilya Afashagova of SaiJamin presented Adiyuh: Memories and Dreams, a deeply personal collection inspired by her childhood and the influence of her father. Drawing from an old Kabardian song, the collection married ethereal elegance with rich craftsmanship, featuring flowing silks and jacquard fabrics in serene shades of blue, pink, white, and black. Rooted in the beauty of the Caucasus landscape, the designs evoked a sense of emotional connection, independence, and a timeless appreciation for heritage.

Molato

With Beldi Beneath the Waves, Molato brought Morocco’s storied craftsmanship to the Dubai runway, blending traditional handwoven artistry with modern couture techniques. The collection, inspired by the fluidity of the ocean, incorporated rich textures, layered embroidery, and dynamic silhouettes that paid homage to Morocco’s cultural identity. With ‘Beldi’—meaning traditional and handmade—woven into the essence of each piece, the brand showcased a contemporary take on North African craftsmanship while celebrating authenticity and innovation.

Les Benjamins

Making history as DFW’s first-ever Correspondent Designer, Istanbul-based Les Benjamins captivated audiences with Altai Turks/Altaicana, a collection deeply inspired by the ancient traditions and mythology of the Altai people. The show explored the intersection of streetwear and cultural storytelling, featuring earthy tones, bold textures, and intricate embroidery that nodded to the Turkic ethnic group’s rich history. The collection was a seamless blend of heritage and modernity, marking a striking debut for the luxury streetwear label at Dubai Fashion Week.