Move over Paris and Milan…Dubai just dropped its next fashion icons.
At Middlesex University Dubai’s Icon Show 2025, fashion graduates transformed the runway into a masterclass in innovation, creativity, and storytelling. Twelve final-year students debuted powerful six-look collections, each reflecting three years of design development, textile experimentation, and digital innovation. For the first time, students also unveiled diffusion lines, commercial-ready garments designed for the high street, developed through a newly launched module.
While each collection left its mark, one name stood out: Ishika Nandi, whose deeply personal showcase, “A Perfect Paradox”, earned her the coveted Icon Trophy. “It’s the culmination of three years of dedication, creativity, and personal growth,” she shared. Ishika’s work felt like reading someone’s diary through fabric—rich in emotion, edge, and artistic identity.
But she wasn’t alone in making headlines. Every graduate brought something bold to the runway, from tech-driven tailoring to sustainable couture, reflecting the university’s future-forward approach to fashion education.
Behind the scenes, MDX Dubai’s BA Fashion programme is redefining what it means to study fashion. Students here collaborate with leading beauty brands like Inglot, experiment with ethical production through Ethical Elements, and develop commercially viable collections alongside conceptual showpieces. All of this happens in state-of-the-art design labs and Fashion Studios, complete with its own runway. The facilities encourage students to explore diverse mediums, refine their technical skills, and carve out their unique design identities.
The evening was judged by a panel of fashion and design leaders:
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 Jewelry Arts by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Reflecting on the student journey, Vaishali Raj, Head of Fashion at 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.”
From high-tech facilities to real-world industry connections, MDX Dubai is giving its fashion students not just the tools, but the stage to shine.
Thinking about a future in fashion? This might just be your launchpad: mdx.ac.ae/courses/undergraduate/ba-honours-fashion