Icon Show 2025: Fashion’s Biggest Names Crown the Ultimate Breakout Designer at MDX Dubai’s High-Profile Graduate Showcase

From experimental textiles to industry-ready collections, this year’s graduate showcase at MDX Dubai wows VIP guests.

Dubai, UAE 12 May 2025 – A jury of global fashion experts selected the next generation of designers at the Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai Icon Show 2025. On Saturday 10 May 2025, the fashion world turned its eyes to MDX Dubai as twelve of the UAE’s most promising emerging designers presented their final collections in front of an impressive panel of fashion leaders.

The runway show and curated exhibition brought to life the final collections of the BA Honours Fashion students, demonstrating conceptual strength and industry-ready craftsmanship.  
The panel of judges included Mohammad Abdullah, President of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation; Dina Melwani, Founder of Dina Melwani Couture; Joy Ejaria, Editor at Ahlan magazine; and Sophie Claudel, Director at L’Ecole School of Jewlery Arts at Van Cleef & Arpels; with their fashion calibre ensuring the event was a high-profile celebration of the creative talent emerging from the UAE. 
Each graduate presented a six-look collection that reflected three years of design development, textile experimentation, and digital innovation. For the first time, students also debuted diffusion lines: commercial-ready garments tailored for the high street and ready-to-wear markets, developed as part of a newly introduced module.  

This expansion reflects the programme’s goal of preparing students not just as artists, but as adaptable professionals for today’s fashion ecosystem. 
Mohammad Abdullah shared his thoughts on the event: "The fashion landscape in the United Arab Emirates is undergoing a remarkable evolution - fuelled by cultural diversity, innovation, and a bold spirit of expression.  

“As President of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, I am honoured to serve as a jury member for Icon Show 2025. This event not only showcases the creative excellence of the graduating talents but also underscores the region’s commitment to shaping a globally competitive design future. Supporting young designers at this pivotal moment is both a responsibility and a privilege." 
Dina Melwani, Founder of Dina Melwani Couture and MDX alumna, expressed her pride in returning to the university as a judge: 
"It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how the BA (Hons) Fashion programme has evolved over the years. Watching the students present their final collections and seeing the confidence with which they step into the professional world is a testament to the incredible education they’ve received here at MDX Dubai. The passion and technical skills on display tonight are a strong indication that these designers are ready for the global stage." 

The Icon Trophy: A Triumph of Creative Leadership 

The highlight of the evening was the prestigious Icon Trophy, awarded to the graduate whose collection best embodied leadership, innovation, and creative courage. The trophy was presented to Ishika Nandi for their groundbreaking collection, ‘A Perfect Paradox’, which captures the relentless battle between perfection and imperfection and left a lasting impression on the panel of judges. 
Ishika spoke about the inspiration behind the collection: “Winning this award means the world to me - it’s the culmination of three years of dedication, creativity, and personal growth. My collection explores the duality within me, the desire for perfection and the freedom to embrace imperfection. I’m passionate about storytelling, and I use each collection to explore conflicts and emotions. 
“I’m incredibly grateful to my faculty at Middlesex University Dubai for their constant support and guidance throughout this journey, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. In the future I hope to launch my own label and continue creating collections that reflect who I am.”

Vaishali Raj, Head of Fashion, MDX Dubai, said: “In limits, there is freedom. Creativity thrives within structure. Throughout their years at university, deadlines have taught the students discipline, feedback has encouraged their growth, and teamwork has shown them empathy. Those are lessons our young designers will carry far beyond the classroom.” 
Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor Middlesex University and Director, Middlesex University Dubai, said: “The Icon Show is a representation of the collective ambition we have here at MDX Dubai - to foster creativity, collaboration, and professional readiness. It’s inspiring to see our students step confidently into the industry, ready to leave their mark on the global fashion stage." 
Industry Exposure and Networking Opportunities 

The ICON Show 2025 attracted a glittering array of influencers, stylists, media professionals, and brand owners. This vibrant atmosphere provided the students with unparalleled exposure to industry leaders, opening doors for future internships, and career opportunities. 

Throughout their projects, students collaborated with manufacturers to develop bespoke digital prints and sustainable textiles, working alongside partners such as Inglot, L’Amour Institute of Beauty, and Ethical Elements. In5 awarded vouchers to standout talents, while World Arabia served as media partner, extending the event’s impact beyond campus walls. 
At its core, the event reflects MDX Dubai’s focus on experiential education, giving students a real-world platform to apply their skills in design thinking and production management, positioning the university as an active stakeholder in the regional creative economy. 

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities at the MDX Dubai Knowledge Park campus, with three specialised fashion studios fully equipped with industry-standard semi-automated machinery, including sewing, fusing and laser cutting. Access to this equipment allows them to refine their technical and executional skills across a variety of textiles, ensuring they are industry ready. The main Icon Studio features a catwalk, where students can trial their looks in advance of their public debut. 
Aligned with the university’s commitment to excellence and career-oriented education, MDX Dubai has officially been granted its institutional licensure by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR).  
 Shape your future in fashion with MDX Dubai — and step into the spotlight. Applications are open now for the September 2025 intake of the BA Honours Fashion.