Alberta Ferretti to Open Dubai Fashion Week 2026 in Milestone Middle Eastern Debut

Alberta Ferretti has announced its intention to stage its upcoming runway show in Dubai in February 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Italian luxury house. The brand has been extended an invitation to the Fall/Winter 2026/27 edition of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) as a distinguished Guest Designer. The prestigious event will see Alberta Ferretti open the fashion week on Sunday, February 1, with a full-scale catwalk show, signifying the brand's inaugural major presentation in the vibrant Middle Eastern region.

Lorenzo Serafini, Creative Director of Alberta Ferretti, expressed immense enthusiasm for the upcoming debut. "I am delighted to bring the Alberta Ferretti world to Dubai," Serafini stated in a release, highlighting the city's compelling attributes. "The city’s energy, its cosmopolitan audience, and its commitment to design excellence make it a natural setting for our debut in the region." Serafini, who took the helm as creative director in 2024, succeeding founder Alberta Ferretti, added that the Fall/Winter 2026 collection will embody "the refined craftsmanship and emotional sensibility that define my vision of the Alberta Ferretti brand."

This strategic move by Alberta Ferretti underscores Dubai's growing prominence among the world's leading fashion capitals and champions a dynamic creative dialogue between Europe and the Middle East. Massimo Ferretti, Executive Chairman of the Aeffe Group—which oversees Alberta Ferretti alongside other esteemed marques such as Lorenzo Serafini, Moschino, and Pollini—emphasized the broader implications of this presentation. "Dubai represents an extraordinary crossroads of cultures, creativity, and global business," he commented. "Presenting the new Alberta Ferretti Fall/Winter 2026 collection within Dubai Fashion Week is a strategic opportunity that reflects our commitment to expanding the international presence of the brand. We are proud to open this season and to contribute to a platform that continues to shape the future of fashion worldwide."

Internationally acclaimed for its distinctive femininity and timeless elegance, the Alberta Ferretti brand is synonymous with poetic silhouettes, fluid tailoring, remarkable lightness, and exceptional craftsmanship. These hallmarks are recognized globally as the highest expression of 'Made in Italy' luxury. While Alberta Ferretti traditionally showcases its collections in Milan during the main women’s ready-to-wear season, the brand has previously undertaken select one-off shows in locations such as Los Angeles, including a memorable display at the iconic Chateau Marmont.

Executives from Dubai Fashion Week warmly welcomed the collaboration, recognizing its significance for the event's stature. Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), where the season's shows will be held, affirmed, "With each edition of Dubai Fashion Week, we reaffirm its position as a global and innovative platform for creativity and cultural exchange, and we are committed to continually expanding our horizons as a key event on the international fashion calendar." She continued, "Welcoming Alberta Ferretti, whose design legacy embodies grace, sophistication and craftsmanship, is an honour for DFW and reaffirms the confidence that both prestigious international maisons and emerging talents place in Dubai as a leading global hub for fashion and creative excellence."

Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council, further elaborated on the strategic importance of the collaboration. "Welcoming Alberta Ferretti as our Guest Brand reflects the growing strength of Dubai Fashion Week," Aqra stated. "This collaboration reinforces our belief that Dubai is not just part of the global fashion conversation — it is helping lead it. Together, we continue to connect the region with the world’s most influential fashion voices."

The Autumn Winter 26/27 edition of Dubai Fashion Week is scheduled to unfold at d3 from Sunday, February 1 to Friday, February 6, 2026. The week-long event will gather an impressive array of talent, featuring homegrown designers, prominent regional names, internationally renowned houses, and innovative industry leaders. As the official fashion week of Dubai, DFW continues to solidify its position on the global industry calendar, strategically placed ahead of New York Fashion Week, serving as a vital platform for both regional and international fashion excellence, as highlighted in the organization's release.