10 Designers Present Contemporary Visions Inspired by Nubian Architecture

10 Designers Present Contemporary Visions Inspired by Nubian Architecture, Mythology, and the Victorian Era

Istituto Marangoni Dubai Launches "IN COMMON" Fashion Show Featuring the Class of 2026 Graduates

Istituto Marangoni Dubai presented its first official fashion show, titled "IN COMMON — Design in Dialogue," at the "GOODER" creative space in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. The event featured 10 promising designers from the institute's graduating class, each presenting an innovative collection that explores dimensions of identity, culture, human memory, and contemporary life.

This exceptional showcase was part of the "Degree Show 2026," designed to transition the graduates' academic projects and design innovations from the classroom to a public platform accessible to the general public, investors, and professionals within the regional and international fashion industries.

Highlights of the showcased collections and the designers' artistic visions:

The World of Technology and Human Care:

Alaa Naser Asker: Presented the "DO YOUR LAUNDRY" collection, drawing inspiration from the ritual of doing laundry to reflect on values ​​of human connection and compassion in an era dominated by technology.

Structural Construction and Philosophical Resilience:

Aya Kaddour: Unveiled "THE HIDDEN BEAUTY OF VILLAINY," a collection exploring the contrast between outward appearance and inner identity through a diverse range of materials and structural cuts. Chloe Crisolo: Her collection, "Dripping Water Wears Away Stone," drew inspiration from the effect of water on rock, blending draped and structured cuts to embody resilience.

Harsha Serrem: Presented the "Axion" collection, fusing Greek mythology, chaos theory, and geometry to explore questions of fate and choice.

Evoking History, Heritage, and Sustainable Design:

Karim Fakhrutdinov: His "Lola" collection addressed the relationship between the body and control by incorporating Gothic elements.

Maria Arnaout: In the "Darling, Your Hair" collection, she evoked Victorian-era feminine aesthetics through the use of corsetry and sculptural volumes.

Nadine Suliman: Presented the "Wadi Halfa" collection—inspired by memories of Wadi Halfa and Nubian architecture—and developed innovative, biodegradable fabrics using natural materials.

Pin Xi Bao: Her "The Burial Grounds" collection envisioned a lost civilization, drawing upon Byzantine and Middle Eastern motifs.

Academic and Design Dimensions:

This inaugural showcase by the Marangoni Institute Dubai embodies the growing role of Alserkal Avenue and Dubai as a leading regional hub for nurturing young design talent, bridging modern academic output with the demands of the global fashion market and sustainable design.