Fashion lovers of all nationalities 

were introduced to a wide variety 

of trendy Islamic garments at the 

Inaugural Islamic Fashion Festival 

(IFF) in Dubai.

.

The event was launched on Sunday with a fashion show and charity gala dinner at the Safinah Ballroom, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, in the presence of the Queen of Malaysia Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

The show began with a lively Lebanese folk dance performance followed by an address by Dato Raja Rezza Shah, chairman and founder of the IFF.

“I launched the Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta-Dubai Islamic Fashion Festival to promote Islamic fashion and to establish these cities as the Islamic fashion capitals of the world just as London, Paris, New York and Milan are to European labels.”

“Through this event we want to show that Muslims can be stylish without compromising on the modesty requirements of the Islamic dress code. 

Dubai’s presence in the IFF indicates that we are serious about bringing our local designers to the global stage and creating an economically viable platform to support the growth of this genre of fashion,” he said.

.

Spreading wings

Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and patron of the IFF, also addressed the audience. 

“Since the inception of the IFF in 2006, we have held two successful events in Kuala Lumpur and one in Jakarta. 

We have now brought it to Dubai because it is time to spread our wings and take Islamic fashion into the mainstream. 

Our approach is inclusive. 

We want to bring together isolated fragments of Islamic fashion from different parts of the world to make it one powerful industry. 

.

Not only are we catering to Muslim men and women who wish to project their Muslim identity proudly through their attire, but we also want others to see the limitless choices available for dressing fashionably yet modestly,” she said.

Ten designers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan and the UAE showcased their collections at the event. 

.

The garments ranged from ethnic wear, stylish gowns, tunics and trousers to abayas, sarongs and Islamic swimwear. Also on display was a wide range of men’s wear.

Grand finale

The grand finale featured a Songket presentation by the Tuanku Nur Zahirah Foundation where each designer had created an ensemble using the traditional Malaysian hand- woven brocade fabric called songket. 

The dancing by the Dubai-based group Ocean Kids in this segment was outstanding.

A gem-encrusted watch provided by Dianoor was auctioned for Dhs 66,000. 

The money raised was presented to the Al Noor Training Centre for Children With Special Needs.

The event was organised by Emirates Vision and sponsored by Ibex with event partners Paris Gallery. 

The show was choreographed by Azzy.

.

   .

    More amazing Islamic fashion

 photos from CHINAVIEW below

.