Dubai Fashion Week® announces alliances with international fashion companies

Partnership reaffirms Capital Marketing's commitment to regional fashion design industry-

Dubai, UAE, 19 June 2011: Capital Marketing, the owner of Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), has announced its strategic association with Cranberry Middle East (CME) and International Fashion Innovators (IFI). This alliance will see DFW continue to grow and develop as the most important fashion design trade event in the region.

CME has extensive experience in fashion, lifestyle & entertainment sectors across Asia & Middle East. Rohit Sabikhi, CEO, CME has continued working with the industry regionally and has been involved in the development of DFW. Simon P Lock, CEO, IFI brings a wealth of global experience to the team, having produced fashion events in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. The two companies will add strength to the DFW brand, combining regional knowledge with international expertise.

Commenting on this announcement, Manoj Bhojwani, Chairman of Capital Marketing said: "Cranberry ME and International Fashion Innovators are two of the most respected companies in their fields and our partnership with them will ensure improvements in a number of areas of DFW. This includes production, design and execution, the provision of producers and directors with international credentials, marketing communications as well as providing international models for the shows. Through these exclusive associations, we aim to provide designers & industry in the region the very best of professionals & expertise."

He added, "When Capital Marketing took over Dubai Fashion Week two seasons ago, our pledge to the industry was to progressively improve the event in order to deliver real commercial outcomes for designers and other industry members participating. We have worked hard to consolidate the event and this is another step in the right direction."

IFI CEO, Simon P. Lock, has been appointed as Creative Director of DFW. He is a veteran in the industry, having founded Australia Fashion Week in 1996. He has been Festival Director of both Singapore Fashion Festival and Hong Kong Luxury Week in addition to being Senior Vice President & Managing Director, IMG Fashion and Models, Asia Pacific. Along with his team at IFI, Simon has produced fashion events for a number of the world’s leading designers in London, Paris, New York and Asia including Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Salvatore Ferragamo, Zac Posen, Collette Dinnigan, and Calvin Klein. He is a recipient of Australian Fashion Laureate 2010 award.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Lock said: "My life's work has been to aid the growth and development of established and emerging designers. I am very excited to have this opportunity to work with designers from the Middle East and help them get the recognition they deserve, both locally and on the international stage. My hope is that we can add real value to the great efforts that have already been made by DFW."

Cranberry ME CEO, Rohit Sabikhi, will maintain his role as Event Director of DFW. His previous experience includes associations with Fashion Design Council of India, IMG (International Management Group), various international fashion weeks, and his expertise lies in fashion design industry growth & development, brand activation, sponsorships and event marketing & management.

Commenting on this association, Rohit Sabikhi said: "Our objective every season is to have the top designers in the region and Dubai showcase with us at DFW. Along with IFI, our exclusive strategic partners, we intend to further develop the creative & industry experience for designers. I strongly believe, this association will add value to our commercial sponsors and assist them in achieving commercial outcomes through their involvement with DFW."

Cranberry ME and International Fashion Innovators involvement with DFW will be effective from next season, which will be Spring/Summer to be held in October 2011 (dates to be announced). In the lead up to the event, DFW will be holding workshops with designers and sponsors this week.

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