Sara Charif joined designers, creatives, and industry guests at the closing night of the Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion, attending the Global Fashion Awards ceremony and the private after-party held at the Armani Hotel Dubai on January 30, 2026.
Global Fashion Awards at the Armani Hotel
The Global Fashion Awards marked the final event of the inaugural Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion, drawing together award recipients, presenters, and members of the regional and international fashion community. The evening opened with a retrospective runway presentation by Lebanese-American couturier Reem Acra — a significant showing given the 2023 fire that destroyed much of her New York atelier's archives — before the ceremony honoured Shah Rukh Khan with the Global Style Icon award, paid tribute to the Armani legacy, and recognised Brunello Cucinelli.
Following the ceremony, invited guests gathered for a private celebration within the Armani Hotel, offering a more intimate close to the week's programming.
Sara Charif's Presence at the Closing Night
Sara Charif attended the closing-night celebration as part of the festival's invited guest list. As founder of Sara Charif Designs — a slow contemporary luxury womenswear label known for structured silhouettes and technical precision — her attendance reflected her ongoing involvement in the regional fashion landscape and the momentum building around her label ahead of its official launch.
From Masterclass Speaker to After-Party Guest
Sara's evening at the Armani Hotel followed a full day of participation in the festival's official programming. Earlier on January 30, she spoke at the masterclass From Vision to Brand, sharing insights on building a fashion label with clarity, discipline, and long-term vision. The panel also featured brand strategist Layla Saleh, Lulubyluana founder Luana Vjollca, and Fierce Activewear CEO Fatma Ben Soltane, and was moderated by Ramia Farrage.
Her transition from the daytime panel to the evening celebration highlighted her dual role within the festival — contributing to its professional discourse while also participating in the closing events of the week.
A Milestone Moment for Sara Charif Designs
As the Dubai Mall Festival of Fashion came to a close, the Global Fashion Awards and its after-party brought together many of the figures shaping the region's evolving fashion scene. For Sara Charif, the evening marked a milestone moment as she continues developing Sara Charif Designs — a label that, by her own account, is built on precision, long-term relevance, and considered craftsmanship for women who value both.
