DUBAI: Dubai’s Arab Fashion Week kicked off on Thursday with presentations from Egyptian couturier Maram Borhan, Lebanese-Dominican Giannina Azar, and Palestinian Ihab Jiryis. Borhan opened the couture spring/summer 2022 shows with gowns that had a spirit in weight and design. The dresses were constructed with large eyelet white lace and soft silk fabrics in subtle hues of pink, silver, lavender, and blue. They also featured bold tones of fuchsia and electric blue. The sleeveless gowns had texture on the bodice with impeccable floral details. Azar’s collections focused on reflective details and embellishments. Exaggerated shoulders and asymmetrical style were showcased in delicate sheer gossamer fabrics. Jiryis closed off the first day. His creations featured long sleeveless structured-bodice gowns with flowing designand side slits. He also created asymmetrical flounced pieces with a retro-inspired flare. Many silhouettes gave a modern 1980s aesthetic. Dubai-based Tunisian model Ameni Esseibi, who was earlier this week named as the Arab Fashion Council"s first plus-size ambassador, closed off Jiryis’s show. Arab Fashion Week, which runs until March 28, sees regional and international designers present their 2022 ready-to-wear collections at Dubai Design District and online through a partnership with Meta.