ESMOD Dubai 2022 Grads Step Out in Style

Cool Customized Cars Form Perfect Backdrop for Incredible Showcasing of Regional Avant-Garde Fashion Talent.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

ESMOD Dubai truly established itself as the cutting-edge centre of fashion design last night when the Class of 2022 showcased their talent at a first-of-its-kind fashion event.

The award-winning French institute fully dedicated to fashion, ESMOD DUBAI hosted a night where industry met innovation and young talent stepped out in style on a catwalk that sparkled with promise.

Held at the FOS Automotive Car Customization Laboratory, a specially fitted high end garage, exotic cars formed the backdrop for an evening that was enjoyed by a select guestlist that included VIPs, fashionistas, and regional trendsetters.

Graduates of ESMOD Dubai showcased 12 intriguing couture collections, each of six ensembles, reflecting 12 unique mindsets. On the night contemporary shared the runway with traditional, colourful tribal motifs from Ethiopia were followed by young and bold fashion inspired by Italy, India, and Iran.  Savoir faire, Japanese Manga, and childhood memories, both light and dark, were just some of the distinct themes tackled by these young geniuses.

The 72 designs modelled all used bespoke materials, employing unique methods including crochet, fabric manipulation, hot and cold felting, needle felting and staining of the material with the emphasis on breaking barriers and thinking out of the box.  With sustainability high on the global fashion agenda, the graduates incorporated this important trend into their collections including the use of natural fibres, natural dyes and tints and the recycling of old fabric.

The evening culminated in a special award ceremony where the Jury Award went to Taruni Kottakota, who was lauded for her fabric manipulation, including using dried flowers and tea as dye.  

Category winners included Soliana Makonnen for New Luxury, Fidan Ibrahimli for Contemporary Women, Arjun Naveen for Art & Design, with Marie Haddad taking home the Textile Award.

Merit Award winner Hajar Ghasemifard received the accolade for her collection Amalgamation, designed to bridge the gap between her home country Iran and the rest of the world.

The Emerging Designer award went to Alaa Elghrabli for her stained stories collection, which featured her completing her designs rather dramatically on the catwalk during the show.

The prestigious Golden Needle awarded by ESMOD International was presented to Janta Kumari as a recognition for being the most committed, most conscientious, and hardworking team player throughout her course 

The esteemed panel of judges who deliberated for 2 days before making their decisions included Mr Manuel Cabello, Visual Merchandiser and Retail Manager, Chanel, Mr. Raynaud, Chanel Fashion Director ME & India, Mme Boutaqort, Concept Store Manager, and Mr Marchand from Esmod Paris.

“From the best training programs to quality teaching, not to mention connects with some of the world’s biggest fashion houses, ESMOD Dubai promises professional excellence.  As we witnessed last night, at ESMOD Dubai we don’t just impart top-quality knowledge but aim to nurture artistic skills and foster individual creativity.  So, if you harbour a dream of making it big in the world of fashion, we are the right choice,” said Mrs Tamara Hostal, one of the two founders of ESMOD Dubai.

Along with co-founder Denis Ravizza, since its inception in 2006 the institute’s courses have nurtured creative individuality, developed aesthetic sense, and enhanced superior garment making skills of students in the region by employing a practical methodology that has become a symbol of the ESMOD tutoring system.

The evening’s proceedings were ably supported by Al Bayader, House of Pops, Blossom Honey, FOS Automotive and David Croiser of Bake n’more