Bahrain Fashion Week

The Bahrain Fashion Week (BFW), recently held at the Bahrain Exhibition Centre on November 18-19, successfully achieved the aim of carving a niche in the international map of fashion.

What started as an event with one local designer back in 2008, saw itself grow exponentially in the past couple of years. The international concept of fashion week in Bahrain has since taken steps to bring together established and aspiring designers, as well as fashion houses from Bahrain and neighbouring countries.

Managing Director Payal Patel commented, “We want everyone to see the potential that Bahrain has in this multi-billion dollar industry. We aim in the long run to provide a single platform for international and regional participants to present their collection to global and regional buyers, media, fashion professionals and fashion enthusiasts.”

BFW 2010 opened with N Couture by Noora Abdulghani, a young Bahraini designer, followed by other amazing talents from the region. Also participating was Fashionaires London, a UK fashion and lifestyle brand. Their CEO, Oliver Morris, commented at the event: “It truly is an honour to be involved with Bahrain Fashion Week. Seeing the talent present in the country and in this region gives me hope for the future of the fashion industry of Bahrain which is looking very bright!”

Keeping in line with the desire to provide an exclusive platform for locally and regionally based designers, the organisers introduced an Emerging Talent show for 5 young aspiring designers who were chosen from dozens of applicants. Walking away with the award for “Emerging Designer of the Year 2010 sponsored by Charles & Keith” were Ali Salah and Haya Turki.

It looks like BFW has placed itself on the right track to make a difference in the fashion industry. The celebration of fashion in the region brought it one step closer to one day being known as a fashion capital.

Marina Felippe