Inside Dubai Fashion Week: From Front Row Stars to Backstage Magic

This blog is not only long overdue, but very much needed. I had the pleasure and privilege of attending Dubai Fashion Week from September 1st to Saturday 6th as part of my internship as Editorial Assistant at Harper's Bazaar Arabia.

There’s so much to unpack, but life has been incredibly busy lately, and as much as I would’ve loved to have this out and ready as soon as it occurred, it was simply not possible. However, reward comes to those who wait and, well, here it is. Not only am I sharing with you a full-on reflection, but also my “eyes only” snapshots, as well as a reel vlog on Instagram. And if you’re not following me there, you’re definitely missing out, because on my stories I’m always posting live.

Dubai Fashion Week has quickly grown into a global crossroads for fashion, deeply rooted in local heritage while embracing a daring international energy. That blend of tradition and global outlook stands it apart as a unique stage for both established and emerging voices.

With that in mind, let’s dive in.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget this Fashion Week. For one, it’s the first one I’ve ever attended. While I had been to other fashion shows before, the buzz, the anticipation—there’s a kind of unbeatable magic in gathering so many designers and people from all around the world in one place to witness so much beauty.

And what a way to experience my very first Fashion Week—with VIP treatment. From front-row seats to full backstage access, it was truly a dream. One I’ll hold close and be forever grateful for, thanks to the opportunity given to me through my current position as Editorial Assistant at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. That’s also one of the reasons why I haven’t been as active on the blog—I’ve been writing bylined pieces for them, which I’m beyond proud of. I’ll be sharing more about that in the future, but in the meantime, if you’re missing the in-depth written side, go check out what I’m publishing at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia so you don’t miss a single fashion news piece, trend, or reflection.

Another thing that surprised me was the kindness, openness, and overall welcoming spirit of people. We often hear that the fashion industry is cutthroat, that everyone is out to get everyone, basically framed as a dog-eat-dog world.

This was so not the case during Fashion Week. Part of my duties was making sure we covered everything relevant to our readers at HBA. Beyond the shows and backstage magic, we also needed to document what attendees were wearing. That meant literally going up to beautiful strangers, introducing myself, asking if they minded being on camera while I asked them a few questions and they showed their looks. And most of these beautiful people were just as excited to meet me as I was to meet them.

I also had the chance to network with several creators, photographers, and overall lovely souls in the industry. Something I wouldn’t have necessarily expected before this experience. I truly believe that a big part of the energy we receive from others is the energy we put out. That’s why I don’t complain about the industry—because really, what’s the point? The only way to change what you don’t like is to be the change. If we, as the newer generations, start leading by example, the rest will follow.

But now, let’s get into the real tea: the celebrity sightings. Which, I’m sure, is what a lot of you came here for (no shame in that). Monday, front and center at the first Rizman Ruzaini show, was none other than The Birkin Queen herself, Emily Abraham from Love Luxury, with her beautiful daughter Maali. Across from them sat Dubai Bling royalty, Danya—and she wasn’t the only Dubai Bling diamond spotted. LJ was the cherry on top, closing the runway for the incredibly talented Tara Babylon. And across from me at Les Benjamins was the lovely couple Kris and Brianna Fade.

I’m sure there were many more familiar faces. But being new to the region, it’s more than likely that some slipped past me. It was certainly a star-studded occurrence.

One of my favorite moments had to be the Rizman Ruzaini bride. After the full collection was shown, the lights went out, the music stopped, and a melancholic song began playing in the dark. A silhouette appeared as the lights slowly came back on, revealing this masterpiece gliding down the runway. Not to be dramatic, but the moment I saw that gown, a tear rolled down my cheek. It was pure fashion magic—one of those moments that reminded me why I do what I do.

It’s crazy to see the power a piece of clothing can have on someone. Beyond the garments themselves, it’s about the beauty that comes with them, the elements like light and sound that strengthen the brand’s storytelling. That’s what can make or break moments like this. And that’s exactly what drew me into this industry—how magical it is to create such powerful emotions in people through something we all use every day: clothing.

Beyond those emotional highlights, one thing I noticed across many collections was the play between tradition and modernity. Whether it was through materials, silhouettes, or styling, designers consistently pushed the idea that heritage and reinvention can live side by side—something I think will continue to define Dubai Fashion Week in the seasons ahead.

Another bridal magic moment was Krésha Bajaj’s Lovestory Lehenga. Her garments, deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship, feel so timeless and perfect for the atemporal bride. I definitely made several mental notes for bridal looks at my (currently non-existent) wedding.

Other designers that really stood out to me—coming from the other side of the world—were Emergency Room and Tara Babylon. Attending Dubai Fashion Week exposed me to amazing talents I had never heard of back home, and I want to share them with you because their work is simply too good to be missed. Both brands speak to my aesthetic in different ways, bringing the fun, the quirky, and that surprise element we all want to see in a look.

Finally, I cannot finish this recap without mentioning Les Benjamins. When I heard the Turkish brand was coming, I got so excited. Before moving to the UAE, Turkey was my home for a year—specifically Istanbul, where the brand is based. I became very familiar with them while living there, so seeing them in Dubai almost felt like a family member visiting from abroad.

What I hadn’t anticipated was just how touched I would be by another show. Les Benjamins’ SS26 collection El Gringo told the story of an “Eastern outsider arriving in Mexico. Here, carpets become passports, embroidery becomes a shared language, and tacos al pastor become the culinary echo of döner kebab. The character is a testimony—a new commitment to cultural storytelling.” (Les Benjamins, 2025).

Needless to say, this hit home. As a Mexican who migrated to Turkey, now watching this show live in Dubai, it felt like the most beautiful serendipity.

I even got to go backstage, see some of that El Gringo magic before the show, and interview creative director and co-founder Benji. I told him just how excited I was about the collection—and it truly did not disappoint.

Overall, it was a week filled with magical moments. A tiring week, yes, but one that really put things into perspective. With serendipities that came at just the right moments—even when I was tired or feeling homesick—they reminded me I’m in the right place at the right time.

More than anything, this first Fashion Week taught me that fashion is as much about people and connections as it is about clothes. It reminded me why I want to keep documenting this world here on Fashion Gins—not just the dazzling highlights, but also the quiet, serendipitous moments that make this industry so human. Head over to Instagram to not miss the vlog, and let me know in the comments: which designer or show stood out the most to you?