According to a study conducted by the French Fashion University Esmod — Dubai, the leading fashion institution in the region, the Middle East fashion sector is expected to post 15 percent growth in 2010. The study foresees numerous opportunities in the $12 billion Gulf clothing market, which is attracting more brands to the affluent and increasingly fashion-conscious region.
The study has revealed that there are several factors contributing to the surge in the Arab fashion sector, including the emergence of a pervasive regional “mall culture” as demonstrated by the surplus launching of numerous commercial centers; a robust retail fashion business; and a rising regional interest among the world’s top designers as well as the growing popularity of Arab designers. This same “reverse” globalization of Arab influence onto the West is what is responsible for the shomagh scarf becoming an accessory staple in many Westerners’ closets as well as the coveted kohl look that so many are now sporting.
“Our industry is among the few in the world which remains optimistic despite the downturn; and even more so here in the Middle East, where the combination of high spending power and a strong fashion sense have sustained the dynamism of the fashion market,” said Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder of French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai. “One of the important things for our industry to do is to find and develop more talent that can help strengthen the region’s fashion culture. They will be keys to bringing unique designs which harmonize modernity and the Arab heritage to the global stage.”
Internationally, the fashion industry is expected to increase its presence exceptionally in 2010, with textile and apparel trade forecast to reach $655 billion within the year. Textile and apparel currently account for around 6 percent of the world’s total exports, with 57 percent of it belonging to the apparel sector. Fashion employment opportunities are projected to grow by at least 10 per cent within the next five years.
Released in 2009, the report Global Fashion Industry — Growth in Emerging Markets grouped the UAE with South Africa, Singapore, India, Russia, and Brazil as new and unique emerging global fashion markets. It gave the UAE fashion scene praise for government and organizational support, awareness of international fashion brands, demand for fashion apparel, and recognition of local designers. The report adds that the number of major fashion events held in the Emirates more than doubled from four in 2004 to nine in 2008.
The French Fashion University Esmod — Dubai identifies the UAE as an emerging global fashion hub; it explains that an AC Nielsen survey revealed that a third of UAE respondents bought luxury goods and that UAE residents are some of the most prolific buyers of designer apparel and accessories. Esmod adds that the introduction of the Armani Hotel Dubai in the recently inaugurated Burj Khalifa tower reflects the continuous evolution of the Emirates’ fashion scene.
The cosmopolitan city of Dubai in particular has become renowned as a melting pot for international fashion brands. The Dubai International Financial center, a focal point of regional finance, is also home to top fashion stores such as Villa Moda and Issey Miyake. Even the domestic real estate sector has incorporated fashion into its lineup of developments, as embodied by the Hotel Armani in the Burj Khalifa and the upcoming Isla Moda, the world’s first dedicated fashion island to be built on Dubai’s ‘The World’ project, which will feature limited-edition homes designed by fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld. A similar AED 26 billion mixed-use residential and retail fashion district called ‘Style City’ is also in the works in Abu Dhabi.
The Dubai branch of Esmod aims to increase the UAE’s share in the thriving industry of fashion. Since its launch in 2006, Esmod - Dubai has been instrumental in developing fashion professionals and establishing the UAE as the region’s fashion hub. The university is one of twenty-one fashion schools overseen by the renowned Esmod International Group. It offers 3-year bachelor degree programs, publicly accessible short programs, customized condensed courses, masters of arts programs, and master classes for professionals, all delivered in English.
