I have ventured to a few of these tradeshow both here and abroad. I have even worked as a spokesmodel at a couple in Vegas and San Diego for American Apparel. Needless to say I am not a buyer, so I usually keep my eye out for designers that inspire and interest me or have free samples. Who's Next was a great opportunity to touch the pulse of what happening in fashion and sense the potential for Dubai. Regrettably, there were no freebies in site.  Some may call me crazy for saying that the clothing choices and typical aesthetic here in Dubai are boring and tired. I know, I know. How can I spout such blasphemy when Dubai is one big giant sprawling mall with endless shops? I can and will because they all have the same merchandise. I bet nearly every single couture house has a residence here, even including the mysterious Margiela (and I just can't find it). After them, you have a trickle down effect of knock offs covering very price point. What is the fun in that. We are totally saturated in big business designers and the look that they tout.  Thankfully there are a few boutiques out there that keep things interesting with independent designer goods. I whinge here because  we miss out on vintage and second hand gold, amazing indy designers and the plethora of trends from sub cultural nether regions.  Lately, I find myself rebuking this mainstream sartorial full court press by digging in my heels and tapping into my rock & roll roots. These days I ditch the glam and coiffed for the edgy and raw. We have to stir things up here folks.  Before I digress past the point of no return, scroll down and check out my personal favorites. Hopefully we'll see these collections available here soon!  If you would like to see who else was there you can download the catalogue here.

Dani Samaniego & Familia www.dani-samaniego.com Munich, Germany Dani Samaniego has been at the handbag game since 2001. The bags, designed in Munich and hand crafted in Ecuador, blend urbane sensibilities with South American sentiment. Sterling silver and the finest and most supple leathers are employed in this season's collection.  The apparent high quality of the craftsmanship rivals any couture house while designs are both edgy and chic. I have been on the hunt for a quality handbag that doesn't scream "slave to fashion" for months. I have defiantly found a contender. I just hope I don't have to go back Europe to get my hands on one. I expect that I would inevitably fall in love with the bag and it would get tons of ware- giving it a lovingly vintage feel.

My next few choices take us back to South America. Meudoxia Brazil This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.meudoxia.com.br the mix of materials and shapes strung together in this jewelry and handbag collection had me chomping at the bit for more. (I did walk away with two necklaces). Designer Maria Eudoxia Mellao ventured into jewelry design after forging a solid career as an interior decorator and objects designer.

Can anyone guess which two necklaces I walked away with? hint- They are shown in either the first or last photo.

MarciaGanem AtelierBrazil This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.marciaganem.com.br these pieces immediately caught my attention for their intricate design and construction. All hand made in Brazil, Ganem expresses strong cultural and environmental references in this self titled jewelry line. the garments blur the line between art, jewelry and fashion. Oh, if only I could have snagged a few pieces then and there.

Ikarrtini Malaysia www.ikarrtini.com defiantly worth a mention for being one of the most innovative collections on the floor. Designer Kartini Illias left a corporate background to pursue her artistic desires after a chance meeting with renowned batik artist Won Nong Ahmad. Years later she not only creates a men's and women's collection using hand crafted batik textiles but her success has allowed her to support local Malaysian artisans. Janji, meaning promise, is a shop in the trade towers in Kuala Lumpor where the proceeds from the art sold is channelled back into rural community programs. on display below are a series of kaftans and unique abaya inspired dresses.

Everything was done up well at the show with music, food, lots of venders.... but one thing I noticed (before just about every exhibitor I spoke to commented on it) was the total lack of foot traffic. Usually at these shows reps don't have the time of day for someone like me. They are there to bring in business and make sales, not have a pleasant chat with me. This is the first year for Who's Next but lets hope next year reaches more buyers.... which begs the question- ARE there more buyers in the UAE?

Isn't this the loneliest DJ you have ever seen?

Fashion Mags in Dubai-  I do my monthly magazine shop at my local grocer, which include Harper's Bazaar, Viva, and Emirate Woman with the odd Grazia and such thrown in for good measure. Now I can add En Vogue, Dubai's official fashion magazine, and Pashion to my monthly quota. They both had reps on hand at Who's Next to promote the publications. I just hope they are as easily available as my regular reads.

Come back for reviews on Dubai Fashion Week, Fashion Expo Arabia, and Arabian Fashion Week!