There are fashion shows — and then there is Emirates Fashion Week — a platform known for its scale, ambition, and surprising diversity. Not every show is held in golden halls or baroque palaces. But I was lucky. For my show in October 2023, the venue was pure rococo splendor: golden ceilings, velvet carpets, a sea of guests dressed like royalty, and chandeliers scattering light like in a dream.
I first walked their runway in March 2023, during the season held from March 10th to 15th. The experience was so impactful that even before I left Dubai, I had already received the invitation for the next show. When the dates for the October edition — October 9th to 15th — were confirmed, I said yes without hesitation. This article is about that second show. And it was unforgettable.
But nothing could’ve prepared me for the dress.
Hand-embroidered for months with real pearls, it was one of the most breathtaking creations of the entire week. A body-hugging silhouette, open sides, intricate beading, and a majestic slit — the gown shimmered like ocean light. Even backstage, where compliments are rare among competing models, I heard “wow” whispered more than once. One girl even said: “This dress was made for you.” And secretly? I thought about buying it.
There were only four pearl-embroidered gowns featured in the entire show — each a couture rarity — and mine was one of them.
I was calm on the runway — but right before, I gave a short interview in English, and that’s where the nerves kicked in. Not because of the questions, but because I’m still mastering the language. I was afraid I’d choose the wrong words. In the end, I reminded myself of what I always believe:
“Everything happens in the best possible way — even if I don’t understand it yet.”
What I truly admire about Emirates Fashion Week is their fearless sense of scale.
They don’t just organize a show — they create a spectacle. Everything is done with vision, intention, and absolute elegance. And that, to me, reflects something deeper about the UAE itself.
When I walk the runway there, I feel part of something greater. Not just a show — but a celebration of what’s possible when art, culture, and vision align.
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