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Fashion Forward 2014: Meet the Iranian trio that's going global

Dubai’s very own version of Fashion Week - otherwise known as Fashion Forward - completed yet another acclaimed season last weekend and of course Yahoo Stars was there! From Filipino designer Ezra’s fantastic show to the Iranian brothers who are going global, we’ve got all the details.

THE IRANIAN TRIO THAT’S GOING GLOBAL
To their family and friends, they’re Babar, Haman and Farman Golkar… but to the rest of the world, they are the Iranian brothers that are fast establishing their label as one of the most sought after in the region.

Despite having debuted a little over seven years ago, Emperor 1688 has already gained a strong celebrity following, and this year the trio has introduced a womenswear range.

But that’s not all; the brothers have also just been nominated for the coveted International Woolmark Prize (IWP). They are just one of three UAE-based designers nominated in the India and Middle East category, along with Emirati label House of Fatam, and Arwa Abdelhadi and Basma Abu Ghazaleh’s Kage brand.

THE INTERNATIONAL WOOLMARK PRIZE
The annual prize was first awarded to Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld in 1954 and is held in a different fashion capital every year. For the first time this year, two designers will receive the overall award, one for menswear and one for womenswear.

“Fashion Forward is honoured to be given this opportunity to nominate talent from our region,” said Bong Guerrero, Founder and CEO of Fashion Forward. “The design talent in the Middle East is outstanding and we are delighted to put forward these deserving nominations for the men’s and women’s wear categories.”

Five regional awards will be held in Asia, Australia, Europe, India & Middle East and the USA to select the ten finalists, each receiving AU$50,000 financial contribution towards their next collection as well as an invitation to participate in the international final.

The five menswear finalists will meet at London Collections: Men in January 2015 and the five womenswear finalists will meet in Beijing in March 2015.

The winners of both the menswear and womenswear finals will receive a further AU$100,000 to assist with fabric sourcing and marketing of their collection. In addition, both international winners will have their collection commercialised through key international retail partners including Harvey Nichols in the UK, Joyce in China, Saks Fifth Avenue in the USA, Colette in France, 10 Corso Como in Italy, My Theresa online and David Jones in Australia.

FILIPINO DESIGNER EZRA DAZZLES
Also at Fashion Forward this year was Ezra, whose latest collection was stunning. For over a decade now, the Manila-born, Dubai-based designer has been consistently making his mark, creating dreamy, extravagant couture, establishing his brand as synonymous to elegance and beauty. His designs are known for their buoyant, diaphanous and exquisite edge, with finely crafted embellishments.


ONE TO WATCH: SAUDI ARABIAN LABEL ASUDARI
This collection by the Saudi Arabian, London-based designer featured elements of masculine tailoring with sporty, feminine silhouettes and sharp suiting, geometric digital prints. Asudari's signature emblem, the formation of four interfacing A's all in a Delftware ceramic palette, feature prominently.

FASHION FORWARD DEBUT: JEAN LOUIS SABAJI
The Lebanese newcomer's collection takes inspiration from nature, featuring a magical fusion of flowers and insects - perfect for spring!