Rian Fernandez, who dresses Miss USA R Bonnie Gabriel, returns to Arab Fashion Week.

Filipino designer Ryan Fernandez, who dressed Miss USA 2022 R’Bonney Gabrielle for the pageant and also ran for Miss Texas, returns to Dubai for the Fall/Winter show at Arab Fashion Week.

In the year Fernandez, who founded his eponymous label in Pangasinan, Philippines in 2012, made his Middle East debut at a menswear show in June. Known for his creations infused with strong traditional themes, the designer paid homage to Baguio, a city on the northern Philippine island of Luzon, on the first night of the six-day Fall/Winter shows at the Dubai Design District on Tuesday. His love for fashion was born.

Scroll through the gallery above to see Ryan Fernandez’s collection at Arab Fashion Week.

Featuring a mix of menswear and womenswear, the 40-piece collection was an unusual color for the season, which the designer did on purpose.

“They love the colors in Baguio. It’s also a city rich in culture,” Fernandez said. National.

Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” due to its altitude, the people of Baguio are a cultural melting pot, and home to several ethnic groups.

Fernandez’s collection served as a nod to many of the clans. The fringes on the gown represent the thread used in Highland weaving, while the acrylic beads used for decorative purposes create intricate patterns on the sheer dresses, adding a touch of fun. There were also many crystals, intricately worked into body-hugging pale-colored robes, while some formed stunning headdresses.

Fernandez recently made news when she wore Gabrielle, becoming the first Filipino-American in history to win the Miss USA title earlier this month. Gabrielle, a model and fashion designer, beat out 49 other candidates to go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2022 pageant in New Orleans in January.

Before the Miss US pageant, Fernandez wore Gabrielle when she competed in the Miss Texas pageant this year and last.

He said he accepted an invitation to participate in Arab Fashion Week with the aim of promoting his label to the Middle East.

“It’s a very dreamy place and I hope to set up my brand here soon,” he says.

Updated: October 12, 2022, 9:21 am