The iconic luxury label Roberto Cavalli will join the upcoming Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), co-founded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council (AFC), as Guest of Honour. Showcasing for the first time in the Middle East, the Italian brand will close the Spring/Summer 2025 (SS 2025) season with an exclusive collection, marking a significant milestone for the platform’s global profile.

The late and legendary designer Roberto Cavalli founded the namesake brand in the 1970s, debuting in Paris with a collection of printed leather gowns. It has since become a household name for Italian luxury and glamour, featuring on international runways and red carpets, distinguished by a bold use of tropical patterns and animal prints. Among a legacy of celebrated collections and achievements, the fashion house is credited for reviving denim as a high-fashion garment through innovative fabric processing and treatment and the invention of stretch denim. The brand has expanded its repertoire from apparel to handbags, fragrances, children’s wear and home interiors.

Today, the brand returns to the spotlight under the new and visionary creative director Fausto Puglisi. Bringing iconic collections from Milan to Dubai, Roberto Cavalli’s debut on the DFW runway reflects the cementing status as a global fashion capital. The Emirate’s rapidly expanding luxury market, robust platforms like DFW and a diverse, fashion-forward audience are strengthening designer confidence in the city and broader region. The event will kick off with an exclusive gathering of media and celebrities at d3.

“Dubai Fashion Week is growing in prominence and prestige,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group. “Each edition proves Dubai’s mettle as a global fashion capital. Roberto Cavalli’s Middle East runway debut on our platform sends a powerful message to the international industry: that Dubai is where the future of fashion is being written. We are delighted to welcome the brand as our guest designer and enrich the experience of attendees by adding such a celebrated name to our lineup. Roberto Cavalli will be a memorable closer to the Spring/Summer edition and cement Dubai’s renown among the world’s five fashion capitals, including London, Paris, Milan and New York.”

Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of Arab Fashion Council: “Having Roberto Cavalli close our Spring/Summer 2025 show reflects the growing prestige of Dubai Fashion Week. The Middle Eastern market has always been significant for Cavalli, and this showcase will undoubtedly strengthen the bond between the brand and its regional supporters. This highlights our commitment to elevating the fashion landscape in the Middle East and providing a platform for both regional and international designers to shine.”

Fausto Puglisi, Creative Director, Roberto Cavalli: “We are honoured to be the guest brand at Dubai Fashion Week. Dubai is one of our biggest Middle Eastern markets, and the city’s spirit aligns perfectly with Roberto Cavalli. Showcasing here allows us to connect more deeply with our loyal clientele and new admirers alike. Our SS25 collection, exclusively edited for this event, reflects the luxurious essence of both Dubai and Roberto Cavalli.“

Dubai’s official fashion week will run from 1 to 7 September, commencing with an exclusive gathering of fashion stakeholders, celebrities and media at d3. Presenting ahead of New York Fashion Week and setting the tone for the global fashion calendar, DFW will see more than 30 brands from France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Palestine, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom showcase original streetwear and haute couture collections.

For more information, please visit: www.dubaifashionweek.ae.