WHEN FFWD WENT ‘CHILD-FRIENDLY’

With Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) being held on the weekend this time, many fashionable mommies may have felt guilty about leaving the kids at home. Luckily, they didn’t have to — since there was something for the little ones too. FFWD found a way to be “child-friendly” when Cartoon Network approached them for a collaboration with the Powerpuff Girls brand. The FFWD team quickly brought designer, and creative director of award-winning multi-brand concept store S*uce, Zayan Ghandour on board, to come out with a range of clothing. Two years ago, S*uce opened a store for kidswear, S*ucette, so Zayan was clearly the right choice to present a collection of 22 pieces for mothers and daughters.

“This partnership all happened thanks to FFWD,” said Zayan, adding that FFWD has been a game changer for homegrown fashion. “Earlier, we had to find the venue, the models, everything... Now, they do it all for you!”

Taking to the ramp for Zayan’s show were some real mommies and daughters — including Nina Ali (known in the social media world as “lipstick mommy”).

As a mother of two, Zayan is only too aware of the importance of keeping this range “children friendly”, so she has used a lot of cottons and kept it fun with ruffles and cold shoulder details. A pretty colour palette, including pinks, ensured this was a very feminine take on the super heroines. Previously, Powerpuff Girls has collaborated with Moschino — so, “to work with a brand like this is a gift!” said the designer. After the show, Zayan organised a small soirée for mothers and kids, with lots of candy and popcorn.

So, on day two of FFWD, a fashion show inspired by three little girls with superpowers, saved the day for mothers. The show was also a pointer of how fashion has begun targeting the young. With every high-end label now launching a “junior” collection, here’s Zayan’s advice: “Designer clothing for children should be a treat. Something for special occasions.”