Babatunde Oyinkansola
“Bringing fashion back” was an understatement for Runway Dubai because in addition to fashion, they brought: enthusiasm, laughter, style, adrenaline back on a platform that has been voted the most inspiring Fashion platform in the world.
Opening the show this weekend was an amazing woman from Russia called Mila Anufrieva (Mila for
Africa). She is a fashion designer who owns one of the first luxury retail chains in Russia and was responsible for bringing brands like Christian Dior, Fendi and Bottega Veneta to Russia. As part of the annual initiative and awareness that Runway Dubai launches, Mila was invited to create awareness on Albinism and the cultural danger it poses to innocent kids in Senegal where Mila currently resides. She is on a daily mission to keep these kids that suffer discrimination due to cultural superstitions safe from harm.
The Fashion aspect of the show celebrated designers like Asma Sultana of Zoan Ash, Imane Harti of Maison H, Nidhi Kumar of Illustirfy by N.K, Margarida Goncalves of Donnanoir, Reena Khuram of R Kouture designs, Sania Daniel of The house of Nubian, Zineb Maazouz of Nobleza.
The show also featured guest performances by Nigerian Opera singer Ranti Music and the dancing duo from Dream Makers. Despite COVID restrictions, the event was well attended to full capacity, the enthusiasm from the guests and designers alike remained unmatched.
The media and press certainly made their presence felt by setting the ambience, and capturing the iconic moments of the show. The show ended on a high note with presentations being given to the participating designers and emerging fashion students from fashion institutions across Dubai like the Middlesex University, Westford University, and Capital college.
Finally, Walid Attalah was presented with the Best celebrity Designer of the year award, whilst Mila Anufrieva took home the award as the most inspiring woman of the year. The display of designs were groundbreaking, inspiring, and certainly speaks for the future of the Dubai fashion scene.