First-ever dedicated FFWD Pop Up Store

Buyers at Galeries Lafayette have selected seven labels showcased at FFWD to be stocked in store throughout October, as part of the first-ever dedicated FFWD Pop Up Store.  Selected looks from Autumn/Winter ‘15 collections, presented at FFWD Season Five, will be on sale from September 30th- October 27th, at Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall.

“In Galeries Lafayette we support regional and upcoming fashion designers and new talents: it is very important for them to be considered and represented within our store,” said Pascal Abchee, General Manager, Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall. “We have chosen to partner with Fashion Forward because we feel that they are the perfect fit for this strategic vision, being pioneers in the launch of local talents in the Middle East and having grown side by side to Galeries Lafayette in Dubai.”

“Hosting these talented designers will introduce them to a wider customer base, and in parallel affirm the expertise of Galeries Lafayette as pioneer in fashion, nurturing local talent and coming closer to the market. It is an exciting project for us, and we are proud to be associated to Fashion Forward through this collaboration,” added Abchee.

 The labels available at the FFWD Pop Up Store are:

Aiisha Ramadan – Lebanese designer Aiisha Ramadan revealed her new direction ready-to-wear collection at April’s FFWD. “The inspiration behind ‘City Lights’ was geometry, colours, the darkness that reflects from buildings and shadows that create shapes, which play on imagination,” said Aiisha. “A million lights flickering are memorizing and the simple lines that define them, like jewels cast in the finest settings,” said Ramadan.

Arwa Al Banawi – Saudi designer Arwa Al Banawi’s A/W ’15 collection, aptly named “Suitable", features a mix of ready-to-wear shirts and suits that can be bought as a full look or as separates. In an array of bold, bright patterns each piece is designed to make you push fashion boundaries and standout in the right way. Describing her debut collection Al Banawi said: “With so many ways to mix and match the different separates this collection is suitable for all women on all occasions, whether you’re at an important work meeting or going out for dinner with friends.”

Bouguessa – French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa made her FFWD debut in April 2015, showing her line of contemporary, luxury Abayas. “The collection introduces a relaxed style with restructured basics for the modern women’s wardrobe. It includes a variety of silhouettes sensibly designed to suit all types of women,” said Bouguessa.

Daneh – Saudi designer Daneh Buahmad produces ready to wear collections that are simple and clean cut, but with a twist. The ‘Transition’ collection was inspired by Daneh’s realisation that imperfection is perfection. “Lines are clean and finishing is flawless, yet hems are unfinished and pants are twisted. Fabrics are mixed and colours are neutral, all giving the collection that edgy charm making each item a staple in any wardrobe - but only for those who dare to be comfortably different,” said Buahmad.

Lama Jouni – Lebanese designer Lama Jouni created her eponymous label in Paris in 2013. The A/W ‘15 collection is inspired by the 1970s Rock and Roll era. Describing her pieces, Jouni said: “My fascination with Bianca Jagger and the cooler-than-cool glamour girls of that era were my muses for the collection. From plunging necklines and high waistlines to long capes with exaggerated shoulders, this collection celebrates women in every way.”

La Terre Est Folle – Beirut-born Joe Arida is a 27 year-old multi-disciplinary designer who founded his brand LA TERRE EST FOLLE in 2014. “The I-HUSTLER collection is inspired by gang culture and rap music, it references the juncture between sports and street-wear tempered by the purity of white and transparency,” said Arida.

Said Mahrouf - Moroccan-born, Said Mahrouf’s love of costume design, artistry and partiality to feminine elegance defines his collections. For A/W ’15 Mahrouf drew his inspiration from paintings by Kazimir Malevich. Mahrouf explains: “The Suprematism collection is my interpretation of Malevich's basic geometric forms and use of a limited range of colours, expressing ‘the supremacy of pure artistic feeling’.”

“FFWD is committed to supporting regional design talent in all aspects of their businesses, including facilitating introductions to key buyers and leading regional retailers,” said Ramzi Nakad, Founding Partner, FFWD. “We are delighted to be partnering with Galeries Lafayette, and thank them for selecting these deserving designers, and for showing such continued support to FFWD. Having Middle Eastern labels recognised and supported by such a huge force in retail shows not only the levels of talent the region has, but also proved the demand from consumers is growing.”

The FFWD Pop Up Store is located in the Womenswear Department, First Floor, Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall, and will be open to shoppers from 30th September – 27th October 2015.

Be amongst the first to see next season’s key looks as the best couture, ready-to-wear and accessories designers will showcase their Spring/Summer ’16 collections at FFWD Season Six, which takes place this October 22nd-25that Madinat Jumeirah.