Americans for the Arts (AFTA), the leading national advocacy organization for the arts, concludes a robust summer of successful federal advocacy, which has resulted in successfully supporting arts funding legislation, helping to defeat measures to cut federal funding for the arts while increasing federal appropriations for arts agencies, and training a dozen local arts leaders/advocates to support their states’ arts programming.
AFTA’s summer started strong in July, as the organization convened 12 national arts leaders from nine states across the nation for a highly anticipated, two-day Legislative Fly-In, the second in 2024. Hailing from Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin, these dedicated arts advocates united in Washington, DC, to collectively advocate for Arts Education and legislation addressing predatory ticket sales.
“This year has been such a success in so many ways for AFTA already,” said Tooshar Swain, AFTA’s Director of Public Policy. “We are particularly proud of our advocacy work, because it benefits so many artists across the country. Our Fly-Ins help dedicated representatives from local arts agencies make their cases to their federal elected officials with tangible results. On a national scale, we are deeply grateful for the funding measures that have increased arts budgets for the benefit of all Americans.”
The impressive Fly-In cohort participated in a comprehensive day of training led by Americans for the Arts and its Arts Action Fundleaders, delving deep into the pertinent topics concerning their respective states. The following day, they met with their state’s Congressional representatives in both the Senate and House to discuss and advocate for:
Arts Education funding through increasing yearly appropriations in Titles I, II, and IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Assistance for Arts Education grant program
Arts Education legislation such as the Arts Education for All Act, Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act, and the STEAM Education Act, all endorsed by AFTA and introduced to legislation
The Fans First Act, legislation to address flaws in the current live event ticketing system resulting in inflated prices.
The Charitable Act, a bill that will reinstate the non-itemizer deduction for individual taxpayers
Community Arts Engagement funding through the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for active-duty servicemen and women as well as veterans
AFTA successfully supported several budget measures proposed this summer that increased arts appropriations. As a result of AFTA’s and others’ advocacy efforts from across the nation, the Senate Appropriations Committee allocated an increase in funding for both the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in the FY’25 Interior Appropriations bill, representing a $2 million increase above current FY’24 funding levels for each agency.
Americans for the Arts also worked to soundly defeat two amendments in the U.S. House of Representatives which sought to cut the NEA and NEH funding by approximately 25 percent. The NEA amendment failed on a voice vote due to the lack of support by both parties while the NEH amendment failed by an impressive vote of 269-to-147.This demonstrates the bi-partisan nature of arts and culture, which transcends politics.Amendments in the House to deeply cut arts funding at the NEA and NEH were also defeated.
For more information, follow @Americans4Art.
Established in 1960,Americans for the Arts(AFTA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization advocating for the arts at the federal level in the United States. AFTA is committed to representing and serving local communities while fostering equitable access to and appreciation for all art forms.
Turtlehorn, led by designer María Voth Velasco, unveils a collaborative collection with Frank Jewels, showcased at Doors NYC. This intimate event highlights the brand’s signature unisex, one-size designs, which seamlessly blend skate culture with artistic expression, promoting freedom and unity.
At the heart of Turtlehorn is the philosophy, “Waste materials are our new raw materials.” The brand’s emblem, the horned turtle, symbolizes its meticulous and patient approach to fashion. My personal introduction to the brand came through the ‘Shoe Jacket,’ which immediately resonated with me, reinforcing the principle, “not who you wear how.” This piece exemplified Turtlehorn’s commitment to authenticity, resourcefulness, and a unique take on streetwear, going beyond trends to establish a lasting, iconic identity within the brand.
About Turtlehorn
Founded in 2020, Turtlehorn embodies values like sustainability, community, and self-expression. Its slow-fashion model, focused on upcycling and circular fashion, allows creators to thrive in an inclusive environment, where individuals can confidently express themselves while contributing to meaningful solutions.
Doechii announced Alligator Bites Never Heal The Tour – a headline run in support of her critically acclaimed mixtape, which was released last Friday. The tour will kick off on October 11 in Atlanta, GA at The Loft and include shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York City (October 15) and The Roxy in West Hollywood, CA (November 3). In addition to eight U.S. dates, Doechii will play shows in Berlin, Paris, London and Amsterdam. See below for itinerary.
The artist pre-sale for the North American dates will begin Tuesday, September 17, at 9:00 AM local time. General on-sale begins on Friday, September 20, at 9:00 AM local time. For more information, visit www.iamdoechii.com.
Released via Top Dawg Entertainment / Capitol Records, Alligator Bites Never Heal is available for download / streaming HERE. The hip-hop/rap mixtape captures a rare talent in her rawest form yet. She takes on those who would try to cram her and her work into one genre box or identity on “Boom Bap,” delivers blunt-force bars on “Bullfrog,” unleashes a horrorcore growl on “Catfish,” and drops countless quotables on “Nissan Altima” (“I’m the new hip-hop Madonna / I’m the trap Grace Jones”).
In a four-star review, Rolling Stone hailed Alligator Bites Never Heal as ““one of the year’s most fully-realized breakout albums.” Read Rolling Stone’s interview with Doechii HERE. Complex named the mixtape as “one of the best rap projects of 2024” while NPR called it a “thrilling experience.” BET noted, “Her unfiltered honesty throughout is truly commendable.” Pitchfork said, “On her most ambitious and musically diverse release to date, the TDE rapper and singer meets the pressures of success with defiance and irreverence.” Check out the cover story from PAPER’s 40th anniversary issue, which features Doechii as her alter ego, Ricardo, HERE.
The mixtape comes on the heels of Doechii’s Eurodance-inspired hit “Alter Ego,” dubbed by R&B superstar SZA as “the craziest song I’ve heard all year.” “Alter Ego” received the remix treatment, with JT delivering a verse, further extending Doechii’s winning streak. To date, the song has earned over 15 million streams on Spotify alone.
After gaining 600 million plus global streams for “What It Is (Block Boy)” last year, she unleashed “Booty Drop,” a New Jersey Club-influenced single, and “Pacer,” a track Stereogum described as “a shouty maximalist anthem” laced with “electronic streaks and overdriven rock guitars.” In September, she continued to build her momentum when she popped out to Los Angeles to open for Beyoncé. That same fall, the self-proclaimed Swamp Princess hit the road with Doja Cat on her Scarlet Tour dates. This all builds on the heels of Doechii’s 2022 EP she / her / black bitch, where she cemented herself as a distinct voice whose versatile talents range from quick-fire bars to seductive singing.
DOECHII – ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL THE TOUR
10/11 – Atlanta, GA – The Loft
10/14 – Philadelphia, PA – Foundry at The Fillmore
To kick off the new edition of the America’s Cup, an evening event was held on Tuesday August 27 at the top of Mount Tibidabo, a historic and iconic landmark in Barcelona, to celebrate the historic partnership between Louis Vuitton and the America’s Cup.
From the late, legendary Juice WRLD comes The Pre-Party, a two-pack of highly anticipated songs fans have been trading notes about for years. The surprise set pairs luxe emo-rap cut “World Tour (Aquafina)” with “Lightyears” featuring Young Thug, which has a slight country sway to it. Listen HERE via Grade A and Interscope Records. The 9AM global timing of the 9.9 release is significant to Juice WRLD and his fandom as a cherished number (999) that symbolizes the concept of flipping a bad situation into a positive one.
Juice previewed “World Tour (Aquafina)” on Instagram Live back in 2018, leaving listeners wondering if they’d ever hear the official release. Now, they can listen closely as the Chicago star inhales at the top of the track, then swan-dives through DJ Relentt’s jewel-tone synths into a blissed-out fever dream that rolls drugs, sex, and threats into a technicolor blur: “I can’t feel my tongue, shorty, I’m off the moll’, yeah / I still see the snakes, n****, run inside, yeah.”
“Lightyears” takes a different tack, mixing downcast guitar with booming bass while the two rap visionaries paint a modern picture of class and excess. “Taking trips off the Percs, I be sky high / In the sky sippin’ on red lean like it’s red wine,” Juice coos, while Young Thug flexes, “Ride big Bentleys everywhere that I go / Keep the Lamborghini parked at the bank though.” The beat comes courtesy of longtime Juice friend and collaborator Nick Mira.
The latter song has also been the subject of much speculation. Before Juice’s passing, Thug confirmed the two had more songs in the works, and their chemistry has been affirmed time and again, from Future’s “Red Bentley” (2018), to Juice’s “On God” (2019), to their collab track “Bad Boy” (2021), on through Thug’s “Money” featuring Nicki Minaj (2023) – to name a few. Mira’s involvement with “Lightyears” upped the anticipation — he’s had multiple songs on every Juice album to date, including Top 10 hits “Lucid Dreams,” “Bandit,” and “Smile.”
The Pre-Party follows Juice’s appearance on Ski Mask the Slump God’s fired-up June single “Wake Up!” and the December release of Juice’s “Lace It” featuring Eminem and benny blanco, who also produced the record. It confronts the highs and lows of drug use/abuse — listen HERE. The Pre-Party is only the start of what’s to come.
In April 2020, Juice’s mother, Carmela Wallace, announced the establishment of the Live Free 999 Fund, which receives support from individual donors in addition to Grade A and Interscope Live Free 999 honors the legacy of Ms. Wallace’ son by supporting young people in their battles and doing so with love, joy, and emotional honesty. Live Free 999 encourages anyone struggling with mental health and addiction to get help. Text LF999 to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line for free crisis counseling. For more information on the Live Free 999 Fund, go HERE.
With EURO2024 now concluded, the tournament’s mix of familiar global brands and surprising new sponsors has left football fans talking. While well-known names like Coca-Cola, Adidas, and LIDL were front and center, the tournament also had several lesser-known sponsors, many of which hail from outside Europe. To understand better where and why they’ve come from, we will highlight five such sponsors, analysing their backgrounds, global reach, and why they remain relatively unknown in Western markets.
Before diving into the details, let’s get a better understanding of the standout case of VBR—a technology that turned heads with its novel advertising approach during the tournament.
A Glimpse into the Future of Targeted Advertising
Vision Broadcast Reality (VBR) made a splash during EURO2024 by pioneering hyper-localized digital advertising, using artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis to tailor ads to specific regions. It’s not entirely new tech, but it finally penetrated deeper into mainstream conversations among your average Joe.
For instance, due to VBR, Chinese audiences saw ads customised for their locales—Beijing viewers were treated to content featuring local celebrities, while those in Shanghai saw ads with region-specific nuances. Beyond personalisation, this strategy was a calculated move to resonate deeply with diverse cultural preferences across China. The rationale behind VBR’s strategy was straightforward: with Chinese companies among the key sponsors of EURO2024, maximising engagement in one of the world’s most lucrative markets was vital.
The approach paid off handsomely, as many posts on Chinese social media sites like Weibo saw many posts like “欧洲杯中文广告牌为何霸屏 (Why Chinese Billboards Dominate the Screen at the UEFA)”. This one, in particular, got a staggering 1.7 million views.
Now we can turn our attention to some of the lesser-known sponsors that made their mark on EURO2024.
These are the Five (to Europeans) Lesser-Known Sponsors of EURO2024
Hisense: The Home Appliance Giant Scaling Global Heights
This Chinese multinational, specialising in consumer electronics, has quietly become a global powerhouse since its founding in 1969. Headquartered in Qingdao, China, Hisense now operates in 160 countries, with strong market penetration in Australia, Asia, the U.S., and South Africa.
As a state-owned enterprise, Hisense has periodically acquired assets to fuel its growth. A notable example is the 2015 purchase of Sharp’s TV manufacturing rights in the Americas. Such moves, combined with sponsorships of major sports events like the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2018, have significantly bolstered Hisense’s international brand presence.
Ant Group: Fintech Titan Expanding Global Influence
Initially an affiliate of Alibaba—this fintech giant best known for its mobile payment platform, Alipay. Since its inception in 2004, Ant Group has become a major player in global fintech, expanding its services to include wealth management, insurance, and blockchain technology. While Ant Group’s influence is substantial in Asia, it remains relatively under the radar in Europe.
Sponsoring EURO2024 was a calculated move by Ant Group to enhance its visibility in Europe, a region where it’s less recognised compared to traditional financial institutions. Although Alipay is accepted by tens of thousands of European merchants (13 in Germany), regulatory challenges and geopolitical scrutiny have slowed its broader adoption. The company’s halted IPO in 2020—once set to be the largest in history—marked a significant turning point, leading to increased government oversight and a reshaped corporate strategy.
Today, Ant Group continues to push for greater influence in European markets, with EURO2024 sponsorship serving as a key step in that direction.
Kaizen Gaming: Greece’s Most Promising Entertainment Provider
Although a Europe-based company, Kaizen Gaming is not a household name that would be recognised by your average EU citizen if put on the spot, but locals in Greece would know that they are a prominent company specialising in online gaming and sports betting.
Founded back in 2012, the company operates under a couple of different brands, one of which was heavily pushed during the EURO2024 (Betano). They’re packed with a standard range of sports betting, live casino games, slots and another offering that goes in hand with a modern online iGaming platform, while they have been expanding rapidly beyond their operations in their home ground, establishing a significant presence in several countries across Europe and Latin America. They’re still not present in every corner of the globe, “down under” in particular, where some Australian online gaming platforms are, but it’s probably a matter of time before they enter their sports sponsorship realm.
BYD: A New Powerhouse in Global Transportation
One of the more unexpected names on the EURO2024 sponsor list was BYD, especially considering the tournament took place in Germany—a market dominated by automotive giants like Volkswagen and BMW.
BYD (Build Your Dreams) has become a global leader in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy since its founding in 1995. Originally a Chinese battery manufacturer, BYD entered the automotive industry in 2003, rapidly rising to become one of the largest producers of electric vehicles and buses worldwide.
Strategic investments, including a 10% stake from Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in 2008, have further fuelled their growth in the past decade. BYD is actively expanding its manufacturing capabilities and EV product lineup across Europe, utilising its in-house battery production and vertical integration strategy to maintain competitive pricing and rapid innovation in the EV sector.
However, BYD faces significant hurdles in Europe, including fierce competition from established automakers like Volkswagen and BMW. Recent geopolitical tensions and European Union investigations into Chinese EV subsidies add another layer of complexity to BYD’s expansion plans, which they seemingly plan to counter with sports partnerships.
Qatar Airways: Leveraging Sports for Global Dominance
Qatar Airways has long used sports sponsorships to enhance its global brand visibility. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Doha, Qatar, the airline operates over 200 aircraft serving 160 destinations worldwide. As a state-owned enterprise, Qatar Airways has benefited from substantial government support, enabling its rapid expansion on the global stage.
Sponsoring EURO2024 fits seamlessly into Qatar Airways’ broader strategy of associating with high-profile sports events to boost global recognition. The airline’s long-term partnerships with FIFA and top football clubs like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have solidified its status as a leading global airline, so they’re not that unfamiliar to your average European football fan.
Why Haven’t You Heard About These Sponsors?
Despite their significant roles in EURO2024, brands like Hisense, Ant Group, BYD, and Qatar Airways remain relatively unknown in Western markets. This can largely be attributed to their focus on emerging economies, where they face less competition and can secure greater market share.
Market Focus and Strategy
These companies have prioritised regions where Western brands are less entrenched. Hisense and BYD, for instance, have targeted Southeast Asia and Africa—markets with high growth potential but lower brand saturation. Ant Group, meanwhile, has concentrated on areas with underdeveloped banking infrastructures, such as Asia, where its fintech solutions meet critical needs.
Coverage and Public Perception
Western media often focuses on local and familiar brands, unless there’s a controversy such as the poor labour conditions highlighted in the case of Qatar Airways. In addition, cultural perceptions and geopolitical tensions also sometimes influence the visibility of these brands in Western markets.
Will These Not-So-European Brands Break Through in the West?
The sponsor’s lineup of EURO2024 highlighted the global ambitions of several under-the-radar giants. As these companies continue to innovate—whether through Hisense’s push in smart home technology, BYD’s advances in electric vehicles, or Ant Group’s potential fintech collaborations in Europe—they could become as familiar in Europe as they are in their home markets. However, their ability to adapt to Western consumer preferences will actually determine whether they can truly break through their respective industries in Europe.
Hair dryers have come a long way since their inception, evolving from basic tools that simply blew hot air to sophisticated devices that incorporate advanced technology to protect and enhance hair health.
Understanding the science behind modern hair dryers can help you choose the right one for your needs and ensure that your hair remains healthy and vibrant. Here’s how today’s hair dryers are designed to safeguard your hair while providing effective styling. Hopefully after reading this article, you’ll be inspired to shop Dyson blow dryer.
The Basics of Hair Dryer Technology
At their core, a blow dryer functions by blowing hot air over wet hair to accelerate the evaporation of water. This process involves a motor-driven fan and a heating element, typically a coiled wire, that heats up due to electrical resistance. The fan blows air over this element, warming it before it exits the dryer to contact the hair. While this basic mechanism remains unchanged, modern hair dryers have incorporated new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce potential damage.
Ionic Technology: Reducing Frizz and Drying Time
One of the most significant advancements in hair dryer technology is the introduction of ionic technology. Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions, which interact with the positive ions in wet hair. This interaction breaks down water molecules, allowing them to evaporate more quickly. By reducing drying time, ionic dryers minimize the hair’s exposure to heat, thereby reducing the risk of damage. Additionally, the negative ions help to seal the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine.
Tourmaline and Ceramic Components: Even Heat Distribution
Tourmaline and ceramic are materials commonly used in modern hair dryers to enhance their performance. Tourmaline emits both negative ions and infrared heat, which penetrates the hair shaft and dries hair from the inside out. This helps to lock in moisture and prevent frizz, making tourmaline dryers particularly beneficial for those with curly or frizzy hair.
Ceramic components, on the other hand, ensure even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that can cause damage. By providing consistent heat, ceramic dryers allow for more controlled styling and reduce the risk of overheating specific areas of the hair.
Infrared Technology: Gentle and Efficient Drying
Infrared technology is another feature found in some high-end hair dryers. Infrared dryers use longer wavelengths of energy to penetrate the hair shaft, drying it gently and efficiently. This method reduces the surface temperature of the hair, minimizing heat damage while still achieving effective drying. Infrared technology is particularly beneficial for individuals with fine or damaged hair, as it provides a gentler drying experience.
Adjustable Heat and Speed Settings: Customizing Your Experience
Modern hair dryers often come with multiple heat and speed settings, allowing users to customize their drying experience based on their hair type and styling needs. Lower heat settings are ideal for fine or damaged hair, while higher settings can be used for thicker hair. Speed settings control the airflow, enabling precise styling. The inclusion of a cool shot button, which blasts cool air, helps to set styles and seal the hair cuticle, adding shine and reducing frizz.
Protecting Hair Health with Smart Features
Some of the latest hair dryers are equipped with smart features that further protect hair health. These include sensors that adjust the heat output based on the moisture level in the hair, ensuring optimal drying without excessive heat exposure. Other models offer automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating, enhancing safety and protecting both the user and the device.
Choosing the Right Hair Dryer for Healthy Hair
When selecting a hair dryer, consider the technologies and features that will best support your hair’s health and hair styling products. Ionic, tourmaline, and ceramic technologies are excellent choices for reducing frizz and enhancing shine, while infrared technology offers a gentle drying experience. Adjustable settings allow for personalized use, ensuring that your hair receives the care it deserves.
By understanding the science behind modern hair dryers, you can make an informed decision that not only meets your styling preferences but also prioritizes the health and vitality of your hair. With the right hair dryer, you can achieve salon-quality results at home while keeping your hair strong and healthy.
4TH MINI ALBUM CRAZY BECOMES LE SSERAFIM’S 3RD CONSECUTIVE TOP 10 ALBUM ON THE BILLBOARD 200
THE FEARLESS QUINTET ARE SET TO PERFORM AT THE 2024 MTV VMAS PRE-SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 11
Photo Courtesy: SOURCE MUSIC
LE SSERAFIM dropped today “CRAZY (David Guetta Remix),” an exciting new take that elevates the fearless quintet’s latest hit “CRAZY” to new heights.
Grammy-winning producer and DJ David Guetta accentuates the electrifying EDM-house flair of the band’s lead single from their 4th mini album CRAZY. Guetta’s remix adds an extra layer of energy, intensifying the track’s call for everyone to come together and just go ‘crazy.’ The visualizer perfectly captures the remix’s explosive mood, with white streaks and pixels forming dynamic shapes and figures that starkly contrast against a pitch-black background. The visuals pulse and shift in sync with the beat, creating a sensation reminiscent of flickering lightning in the dark.
The new remix continues LE SSERAFIM’s thrilling collaborations with global artists following other vibrant renditions of the track, including “CRAZY (feat. PinkPantheress)” and “CRAZY (Vogue Remix) (feat. Dashaun Wesley)”.
As a testament to their continued endeavors on the path to global success, LE SSERAFIM achieved their 3rd consecutive Top 10 entry on the Billboard 200 with their 4th Mini Album CRAZY (No. 7), following their 1st Studio Album UNFORGIVEN (No. 6) and 3rd Mini Album EASY (No. 8). The quintet also surpassed 13 million streams on Spotify alone within a week of the album’s release, breaking their own highest weekly stream record, underscoring their fearless musical achievements just over two years into their career.
On September 11 at 6:30 PM ET, the quintet is poised to deliver an electrifying performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) Pre-Show at New York’s UBS Arena. Adding to the excitement, they have been nominated for ‘PUSH Performance of the Year’ with “EASY,” the lead single from their 3rd Mini Album of the same name.
LE SSERAFIM, consisting of members KIM CHAEWON, SAKURA, HUH YUNJIN, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE, are the first girl group launched by Source Music under HYBE. The fearless quintet made their powerful debut in May 2022 with 1st EP FEARLESS, which topped the iTunes Top Albums chart in 13 countries/regions including Japan, Indonesia, and more, signaling the beginning of their journey to the summit of K-pop as the new queens. The group soon after made their first entry on the Billboard 200 at No. 14 with 2nd EP ANTIFRAGILE (October 2022 release) and earned their highest chart position on the chart at No. 6 with 1st studio album UNFORGIVEN (May 2023 release). Following the release of their first English single “Perfect Night,” which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Global 200, the five-piece act took the stage at BlizzCon® 2023 as the first K-pop group to perform at the event. The band has since scored their first career entry into the Billboard Hot 100 with “EASY” from their 3rd Mini Album EASY, and made their iconic Coachella debut in April 2024 as the fastest K-pop group since debut to be invited to the festival. As its name—an anagram of ‘IM FEARLESS’—implies, LE SSERAFIM are determined to move forward with unswerving fearlessness in the eyes of the world, and returned with their highly anticipated 4th Mini Album CRAZY on August 30.
NYFW: Celebrity Jeweler Greg Yuna, and AfroBeats Sensation Libianca, and Viral Podcaster Bobbi Althoff Attends WHO DECIDES WAR NYFW Event, Presented by Complex and Lexus, + Exclusive Unveil of Pelle Pelle x WHO DECIDES WAR Collaboration!
Last night, Complex hosted its first-ever NYFW event in partnership with award-winning fashion label WHO DECIDES WAR. The afternoon of activity included a pop-up gallery showcasing a retrospective look at the brand’s journey from 2018 to today and featured an exclusive unveiling of WHO DECIDES WAR’S new collaboration with Pelle Pelle, the iconic streetwear company known for its leather jackets and distinctive blend of edge, vibrancy and embellishments.
Following the gallery exhibition, IDEA GENERATION (a content series that highlights the journeys, creative processes, and insights of influential figures across various industries) hosted a live discussion with WHO DECIDES WAR founders Tela D’Amore and Ev Bravado, moderated by COMPLEX’s Chief Content Officer Noah Callahan-Bever. During the conversation, presented by Lexus, D’Amore and Bravado spoke to WHO DECIDES WAR’s evolution, cultural impact, and future plans.
Celebrity and VIP guests, including celebrity jeweler Greg Yuna, Afrobeats sensation Libianca, viral podcaster Bobbi Althoff, and more attended the experience.
Renowned Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli closed the shows of the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) last night, bringing a memorable end to an action-packed week of local, regional and international fashion inspiration. Roberto Cavalli’s Creative Director, Fausto Puglisi, curated an exclusive edit of its Resort 2025 Collection for Dubai’s official fashion week, representing the label’s evolving design narrative for modern audiences and demonstrating designer confidence in DFW’s global platform.
The collection featured Cavalli’s signature animal motifs—zebra stripes, leopard spots, and floral patterns—on trench coats, dresses, and silk shirts. Western influences like cowboy boots and hats were key elements, while the Roar Bag took centre stage with new crocodile and lizard-effect variations. Puglisi’s kaleidoscopic designs embodied the brand’s spirit of daring elegance, paying homage to Cavalli’s colourful heritage.
Bringing iconic collections from Milan to Dubai, Roberto Cavalli’s debut on the DFW runway reflects the Emirate’s cementing status as a global fashion capital. Dubai’s rapidly expanding luxury market, robust platforms like DFW, cofounded by Dubai Design District (d3) and the Arab Fashion Council, and a diverse, fashion-forward audience are strengthening designer confidence in the city and broader region.
The past week has seen the global and regional fashion industry convene at d3 over inspiring fashion shows, capsule launches, events, dinners, industry talks and networking opportunities. Enthusiasm among stakeholders has been at an all-time high, from top-tier media to buyers representing prestigious brands sitting front row at every show.
The latest edition of DFW brought to the runway more than 30 brands from the region, Asia, Europe and Central America. The first three days focused on dazzling haute couture collections, opened by world-famous Malaysian label Rizman Ruzaini, who announced at their show the opening of a Dubai boutique for the brand very soon. Three days of streetwear and ready-to-wear collections then followed, defining the fashion forecast for the season.
Among the key designer highlights was Michael Cinco debuting couture pieces evocative of ancient Roman fashion, smart-casual daily wear and the highly anticipated Michael Cinco Luxury Micro Diamond Collection. Mrs Keepa, also a DFW Member headquartered in d3, presented its Spring/Summer collection in the brand’s signature innovative fashion. Rather than a runway show, hand-picked buyers and media attended the premiere of the ‘Need Therapy’ collection, revealed through a poignant film at VOX Cinemas.
Other standout moments included the April & Alex SS25 collection, ‘Blossoming Seeds,’ which celebrates women’s transformative journey of growth and resilience, a high-fashion presentation by Emirati designer Heba Jasmi, and a tribute to femininity in all its forms by Dubai-based Lebanese designer Dima Ayad.
