DUBAI: The World Fashion Festival Awards (WFFA) returned for its highly anticipated seventh season at the Almas Conference Centre, solidifying its status as a premier international platform for fashion, art, design, and cultural diplomacy. Held under the theme “Art Meets the World,” the event transformed the vibrant heart of Dubai into a global crossroads of innovation and creativity.
Founded by H.E. Royal Ms. Ioana Gratiela Elbada De Cantacuzino and Ana Maria Simion, the festival is renowned for its integrated vision of art and fashion, fostering dialogue between cultures and generations through the universal power of artistic expression.
A Global Artistic Showcase
For the 2025 Art & Design section, the Festival appointed international curator Sveva Manfredi Zavaglia as Artistic Director. She presented a remarkable collective exhibition—both digital and physical—that united artists from Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, exploring new languages, materials, and contemporary visual narratives.
A Bridge Between Art, Culture and Diplomacy
The festival was held under the distinguished patronage of diplomatic figures and members of the UAE Royal Family. It provided a unique opportunity for artists to engage in dialogue with Ambassadors, Consuls, government entities, cultural institutions, international collectors, influencers, media, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and global investors.
This edition strengthened its collaboration with the Diplomat Business Club, leveraging an exclusive network that hosts events in iconic global locations, ensuring high-profile exposure and an unprecedented international network for participants. Through forums, exhibitions, and high-level meetings, the WFFA promotes bilateral collaborations in Contemporary Art, Cultural Tourism, Art Investments, the Creative Economy, Innovation, Sustainability, and Digital Transition.
The Competition and Special Guests
During the show, designers competed in two distinct categories: Best Collection (free choice) and Best Dress (theme: GREAT GATSBY / optional). Models vied for the titles of Best International Model and Best Young Model, while makeup artists and hair stylists competed for Best Make-up Artist and Best Hair Stylist.
The three-day event featured special guest appearances from a host of international figures, including:
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Hyejung Lee, Owner of Re: Bella and K-beauty ambassador
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Natalia Kolieva, with “Dreaming web and management by Pamela Perricciolo”
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Monica Pagano and Silvia Santini (AI Creative Project and Architect Manager)
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Culture Advisor Ms. Halima Abdullah Rashid
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H.E. Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive director and Private advisor in the office of H.H. Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum
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H.E. Mr. Maktoum Almarzouqi
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Lara Tabet, businesswoman and “Woman Of Substance”
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Léa Ferreira, internationally recognized Italian-Brazilian actress
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Mr. Mousa Naser Zaki Saeed Al Bawab
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Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed Ibrahim
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Mohamad Jardali, Adeel Tariq Javed
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Ms. Mylene De Los Ama, Founder & CEO of Soul Couture Dubai
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Ms. Hafsa Idrissi, Swiss artist, actress, filmmaker, and cultural ambassador
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Katiuscia Durante
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Phdo Paeph, International MC
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Oedison Ramos, prominent Brazilian Impresario
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…and many others.
The Jury and Key Teams
WFFA Season 7 designated its winners with the support of a specialized jury panel:
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Head of Jury: Celebrity designer Tina Olari (Romania)
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Logan Curtis, model, producer, publisher, and entrepreneur (USA)
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International Designer and winner of Best Collection WFFA 2023, Reham Sharaf
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Olimpia Genova, Italian Image Consultant
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Chief Guest: Dr. Mansoor Al Obeidli, visionary leader of the Master Mind Awards
The makeup and hair team was coordinated by Artistic Director Christian Giardullo.
Makeup Team:
Suzan Aderha, Davide Balosetti, Elisa Miranda, Elisa Reale, Alessandra Denaro, Giuseppina Narciso, Mihaela Murarasu, Teresa Tucillo, Zooz Makeup, Omy Beauty, Mira, Mina Arefi, Mozhgan Ebrahimi, @rashedah_makeup, @makeupby_sohaila, Fatima.kh.A, Alkozhoeva Meerim.
Hair Team:
Marinela Radu, Raducu Nicoleta, Antonio Laezza, Tuni Mineola, Blendi Lika, Donatella Soro, Fabio Fidentea, Federica Breda, Lia Viorica, Manuela Marchetti, Sebastiano Infantino, Fofo Style, Hana, Fatemeh Saeedi, Elmira & Sima, Zeynab Beauty, Nathan Aron, Team Svetlana Sussabauer.
A special thank you was extended to live streaming sponsor and partner Carlo D’orsi, owner of Overmind TV Italy, the Nabdh Al Emarat Volunteering Team, and support team members Damiano Scalvini and Alice Benvenuti.
The Winners of WFFA Season 7
The festival concluded with the announcement of the award winners across various categories:
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Best Dress: Elidrissi Chaime
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Best Collection: Diana Arhire
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Best Young Models (5-8 years): Rhea Oltean, Vincenzo di Bari
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Best Young Models (8-14 years): Darius Moldovan, Iana Nechita
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Best Female Model: Alesia Zagrai
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Best Male Model: Shuhaid Maksood
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Best Hair Stylist: Fabio Fidentea
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Best Makeup Artist: Davide Balosetti
Appreciation Certificates were awarded to:
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Adel Tariq (Volunteer team)
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For media – Best Magazine Cover: Dubai Fashion Magazine
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For media – Best Multimedia: Dream Media Motion
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Best Makeup Artist Career: Alkozhoeva Meerim
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Director Artistic: Christian Giardullo
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Career Award: Logan Curtis
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Best Travel Agency: ND Tours
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Pamela Perricciolo – For her extraordinary commitment and leadership
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Monica Pagano – For excellence in corporate law and international contract law
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Silvia Santini – AI Creative Project and Architect Manager
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Shining Star: Ayush Hosakoti
Acknowledgement of Sponsors and Partners
The success of the 7th edition was made possible by the support of numerous exhibitors, partners, and sponsors:
SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
Soul Couture Dubai, David Rizescu Beauty, Amante Beauty, Herbal Seven, Global Development Center, ND Tours, Carretera Café, Zeto Models Agency, Khleo, Dress Up, ITA Boutique, Tempo Per Te, Orgalife, Phoenix, Reham Sharaf, Dreaming Management, Overmind TV.
MEDIA PARTNERS:
RAZ TV, 39News HD, Dfashion, Red Slik Carpet, DMM News, Dubai Fashion Magazine, Paris Moda, Fashionista TV, Dream Media Motion, Bohemia Rhapsody, Chic TV, Dean Magazine, World Fashion Media News, Daily Mail 24, Times News of UAE, Sara Shafni.
Rana Ali Zohaib is an Investigative Journalist from Pakistan. Migration Media Awards Pakistan 2022 Winner. Journalist of The Year 2023 Award Winner Dubai. Caree Achievements Award 2023 Winner Dubai. He is President of Pakistan Federal Union of Columnists (PFUC).
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