Fashion News: Italian Designers Shine at Dubai Fashion Week as World Mourns Giorgio Armani

The global fashion industry is mourning the death of Italian designer Giorgio Armani, founder of the iconic Armani fashion house. His passing was announced on 4 September. Widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in modern fashion, Armani pioneered red carpet style and built one of the most successful luxury empires in Italy.

The announcement came just a day after Italian fashion was celebrated at Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) with La Moda Italiana Vol. 2. Held on 3 September, the showcase featured six Italian houses presenting their collections on Dubai’s runway as part of “Italian Day in Dubai.” The event was organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with DFW and in partnership with Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The evening was attended by senior Italian delegates, including Lorenzo Canara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE; Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of Italy to the UAE; Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner; Antonio Franceschini, CNA Head of International Markets; and Gabriella Degano, Confartigianato Head of International Markets. They were welcomed by Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), and Jacob Abrian, Founder and CEO of the Arab Fashion Council.

In addition to ITA, Italian associations CNA and Confartigianato participated, underscoring Italy’s reputation for craftsmanship, creativity, and enduring influence in global fashion.

The Showcases

Valentina Poltronieri 

Valentina Poltronieri presented her Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection, Sculpted Simplicity, inspired by abstractionist artist Chad Kouri. Structured tailoring and geometric forms were softened with fluid fabrics, creating wearable sculptures in hues ranging from Veil of Snow to Urban Indigo. The collection marked a new phase of maturity, blending intellectual minimalism with artisanal mastery.

Le Twins

Le Twins unveiled Good Morning, Good Evening, their Spring/Summer 2026 collection designed for versatility from day to night. Relaxed tailoring in poplin, cotton lace, and viscose balanced comfort with elegance, while a warm palette of red, sand, white, and black reflected the rhythm of daily life.

D-Exterior 

D-Exterior reinterpreted its artisanal knitwear heritage for SS26. Lightweight organza and satin met handcrafted details such as macramé lace and shimmering yarns. The palette mixed earthy neutrals with bright accents, presenting a vision of femininity rooted in tradition yet redefined for modernity.

Gil Santucci

Gil Santucci introduced bold, contemporary silhouettes that combined glamour with edge. Daring tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and striking embellishments reinforced the brand’s confident, fashion-forward vision.

Avant Toi

Avant Toi showcased an SS26 pre-collection that bridged 19th-century romanticism with modern experimentation. Ethereal chiffon, metallic finishes, and hand-painted textures evoked garments layered with history and imperfection, culminating in Home Garden, where embroidered florals and tactile knits celebrated nature and authenticity.

BE Nina

BE Nina closed the Italian showcase with Da Nonna Tina, a whimsical SS26 collection inspired by childhood memories. Voluminous skirts, crochet dresses, tailed jackets, and bloomers crafted from vintage textiles captured nostalgia through playful, poetic forms.

Dubai Fashion Week

DFW, co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, and the Arab Fashion Council, runs until 6 September. The Spring/Summer 2026 edition continues to highlight the city’s role as a global fashion hub where diverse cultures and creative voices converge.

All images courtesy of Dubai Fashion Week