Dubai, UAE, 29 January 2026: Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) kicked off last night with a quietly powerful statement as iconic Italian fashion house Alberta Ferretti made its highly anticipated Middle East debut, headlining the opening show of the Autumn/Winter 2026/27 (AW26/27) season.
Straight from Milan, Italy to Dubai, the opening showcase set the tone for the AW26/27 season with the collection titled ‘Portrait of a Lady’, embodying DFW’s vision of being an international platform where cultures, creativity and craftsmanship converge.
Designed by Creative Director Lorenzo Serafini, the collection unfolded as a modern reflection on the Victorian heroine, reimagined for today’s woman with clarity, grace and self-possession. The show felt especially resonant: femininity expressed not through spectacle, but through intention, nuance and assured presence.
‘Portrait of a Lady’ explored beauty as presence rather than performance. Chiffon was sculpted into soft, protective silhouettes that moved with languid ease, while leather and feminine tailoring introduced structure and purpose. Trench details morphed into dresses, tulle met leather in delicate contrast, and the skirt emerged as a central, expressive force.
A rich palette of black, ivory, ruby and aubergine grounded the collection, complemented by slouchy boots, flat ballerinas and discreet evening capes in velvet. Light tubular beading and subtle feather accents added a restrained shimmer, underscoring Serafini’s vision of a woman who dresses for herself, her power inward and instinctive, her confidence spoken through softness and movement rather than declaration. The Alberta Ferretti collection was presented by Serafini, who joined the Aeffe Group in 2014. The Middle East debut was further marked by the presence of Alberta Ferretti, Vice President of the Aeffe Group, underscoring the significance of the brand’s first appearance in the region