[caption id="attachment_148621" align="alignleft" width="240"] Hessa Falasi[/caption] FASHION Forward Dubai (FFWD) will present 12 regional designers for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at its FFWD EPIC Pop Up shop. On June 5 –25, an impressive line-up of 12 regional designers will be showcasing their Ramadan and/or SS 17 apparel and accessory collections in Saudi Arabia›s leading department store; Rubaiyat, Stars Avenue Mall in Jeddah. The Pop-Up is part of FFWD's Empowerment Program through Industry Collaboration (EPIC), endorsed by Dubai Design & Fashion Council (DDFC) and supported by Dubai Design District (d3), which is dedicated to supporting regional talent to attain commercial success and widen their reach into new markets. "The FFWD Pop Up, under the EPIC program, in the prestigious Rubaiyat is an excellent opportunity for regional designers to attain customer visibility in a new market. We are thrilled to partner with Rubaiyat to present some of the best designers from the region and extend further support for their brand's development," said Ramzi Nakad, COO and Co-Founder, FFWD. The labels available at the Pop-Up are: Amira Haroon is a seasoned FFWD designer having shown at Seasons One, Two, Six and Seven, as well as at FFWD's EPIC showroom in Paris last March. Of Pakistani origins, but having grown up in the Middle East, Haroon launched her brand in 2010. She designs for a woman who has a Middle Eastern soul with a trans-regional outlook and attitude, a confident and globally travelled woman. Arwa Al Banawi – Like her eponymous label, Saudi-born designer Arwa Al Banawi is an eclectic mix of contrasts. Designed for the subtle woman, her aesthetic is both classically cool and undoubtedly feminine – earning her recognition from Vogue.com and a finalist position at Jeddah Vogue Fashion Experience. Ghudfah is a luxurious abaya and ready-to- wear line that caters to the elegant women designed by Sarah Albaz who was born and raised in Riyadh. The line is known for its intricacy of details, selection of luxurious fabrics, and its high-end finishing. Hessa Falasi, an Emirati brand established in 2011 in Dubai and is inspired by the Arabic culture, traditional abayas are given a modern twist with a variety of high quality fabrics, a kaleidoscope of colors in fully on-trend fashion. Each garment is the result of a long and rigorous artisanal savoir-faire that creates the ultimate experience in Middle-Eastern chic. Jelena Bin Drai is a luxury clothing brand with elegance and comfort at its heart. Whether pret-a-porter or haute couture, Jelena Bin Drai uses exquisite craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics to create chic and wearable collections with a contemporary, on-trend edge. Nasiba Hafiz - The woman who wears Nasiba Hafiz isn't afraid to try new things and isn't restricted by background, place or time. She's travelled the world over and knows how to inject her heritage into a style that is uniquely hers. Saudi-based Nasiba Hafiz started the brand in 2012. Poca & Poca is a fashion brand created by the talented sister and brother duo Karolina and Wiktor Gniewek. Bringing together fresh and creative designs, a passion for style, a love for precious things, unique fabrics and an eye for detail. Poca & Poca brings to life exceptional creations for the charming woman, personifying her original and charismatic sense of style. The brand is a favorite of fashion personalities from the region and beyond. Accessories: Amal Haliq is an Emirati jewelry designer. She grew up with a passion for gems. Amal is fascinated by gem stones; among her favorites are the Alexandrite, Andalusite, Padparadscha Sapphire and Jadeite – and of course, diamonds. As the saying goes "diamonds are a girl's best friend" however Amal believes that "jewellery is a girl's best friend". Madiso is primarily a fashion accessories brand. Each piece is a unique formation of organic shapes that are carefully hand worked and hand embroidered on silk fabric. Each design is a personal expression of ideas and narratives, thoughtfully planned and put together, before being hand sewn and hand crafted. Rula Galayini is a reflection of the woman who wears it: strong, edgy, and sensual; a power-bag and a contemporary statement piece. Her collections are designed for the everyday, yet tailored for the surprises that one never expects. Rula is a Vogue Arabia Fashion Prize Finalist, her bag has been listed by Vogue UK as 100 best bags in the world, and she is a winner of Mediterranean Fashion Prize in Marseille funded by Dior and Chanel. Sarah's Bag - Dynamic, passionate and determined, with an epicurean's delight in beauty and art, founder and creative director Sarah Beydoun designs handbags and accessories that are known for their intricate craftsmanship, attention to detail and vibrant, high-spirited appeal. Sarah's Bag was launched in Beirut in 2000. Vanina is a fashion label established in Beirut in 2007, by Tatiana Fayad and Joanne Hayek. Through its light and playful glamour, the brand presents statement pieces as form as engaged art, which sends a message through various design concepts, Vanina›s backstage is a social project that aims at promoting community development through the valorisation of Lebanon›s craftsmanship and industry.›
