Event & Runway Photography Coverage

Fashion Factor is a Dubai runway platform built around emerging and independent designers, and its fourteenth edition, "The Identity" (SS26/27), ran across two nights, 13 and 14 June 2026, at The Agenda in Dubai Media City.

The venue does a lot of the heavy lifting, and it earns it. The Agenda is one of the more serious event spaces in the city: a 30,000 square foot black-box hall with 17-metre ceilings, full rigging for set and lighting, truck access and capacity for several thousand guests. Fashion Factor used that scale properly, running a long mirror-checkerboard catwalk in black and white down the centre of the room so every look was doubled in reflection as it walked. On screen above the runway, the edition ran under its "The Identity" title card, curated by Samsung.

The format was fast and unbroken. Doors opened at 6:00 PM, the first look stepped out at 7:00 PM, and from there it was designer after designer, back to back, with no interval between segments. Over the two evenings more than thirty labels showed, most of them emerging and independent names, several of whom are Instagram-first and don't yet have a website, alongside two established European houses in Gerard Darel and Luisa Spagnoli. Somewhere between fifty and sixty models walked across the two nights, a mix of experienced professionals and newer faces building their books in Dubai. The lighting was well handled, a DJ carried the room between segments, there was a bar at the back, and the audience turned up dressed for it. It made for a genuinely good couple of nights.

We worked both evenings as the official photography team, and that is the part we can speak to properly. Our crew of three, Masoud Raoufi, Nastaran Abdolmaleki and Mohammad Javad Zeydabadi (MJ), ran the whole job on tight coordination, dividing the room between us so nothing was missed in a back-to-back schedule with no gaps to reset. We started early with behind-the-scenes: the hair and makeup room, models getting ready, fashion-led portraits backstage, then technical and detail work around the rails and the set. Once the show began, we moved to the runway, shooting with four Canon bodies and more than six Canon lenses, the 70-200mm doing most of the runway work, wide glass for the room and the scale, and primes for detail and backstage.

The result is a complete record of both nights: every designer's full walk from opening exit to finale, every collection documented look by look, plus the backstage story around it. That is what we do. Masoud Raoufi Photography is one of Dubai's most experienced event coverage teams, and this is the kind of production we are built for, fast, low-light, multi-designer, delivered as a usable archive rather than a highlight reel. See more of our event photography and videography in Dubai.

date

2026

client

Fashion Factor

genre

Event Coverage

Visit

Launch Website

Model walking a beige pleated gown down the runway with other blurred models behind her.

Model walking a fashion runway in a black, marbled dress with bright blue knee-high boots and matching blue hoop earrings; dark background with audience.

Model walking a fashion show on a black-and-white checkered runway, wearing a black sleeveless dress and red sunglasses.

Models in dark, glittery outfits walk the fashion runway on a black-and-white checkered floor.

Model on a fashion runway wearing a metallic gold one-shoulder gown and matching headwrap, walking down a black-and-white checkered catwalk.

Group of models walking a fashion-show runway; vibrant printed outfits and a model in black with a pink quilted bag lead the line.

Back view of a model wearing a long graffiti-print dress with a bold multicolor pattern, walking away on a black-and-white checker runway.

Female model on a runway wearing a black sheer beaded gown with a geometric mesh pattern, walking toward the camera.

Model in a black outfit with white piping and a wide-brim hat walks the checkerboard runway, followed by other models in ornate gowns.

Model walking a fashion runway in a blue one-shoulder gown with gold rope accents; blurred background models and a black-and-white striped floor behind her.

Back view of a person wearing a lilac gown adorned with purple floral appliqués and beads, facing away from the camera.

Model walking the runway in a strapless, gold-yellow embellished gown on a black-and-white checkerboard runway.

Model walks the runway in a black strapless top and a flowing metallic silver gown, spotlight on her as she strides forward.

Model in a dramatic black Gothic-inspired gown with a crown walks the runway, holding a small prop, while a second model in a white draped outfit stands nearby on a fashion-show catwalk with a blurred audience in the background.

Model on a fashion runway raises a phone to take a selfie while other models pose with white quilted bags nearby.

Model walks the runway in a pale pink-gray ensemble with a structured gray corset over a striped, voluminous skirt, pearl necklace, knit beanie, and a red handbag.

Model on a runway wearing a black corset top, dramatic polka-dot skirt with yellow accents, black lace gloves, sunglasses, and a cap reading SHIBIN.

Model walks the runway in a gray lace-trimmed jacket over a corset top and white lace skirt.

Model in a light blue ball gown with sheer sleeves walking a black-and-white checkerboard runway; another model in blue in the background.

Four models walk a runway in vibrant outfits on a black-and-white checkered floor.

Model walks a runway in a champagne beige gown with a dramatic cream tulle skirt and a red-sequin sash. Another figure in dark clothing stands in the background.

Model walks the runway in a bright yellow crop top and vibrant color-block cape with pink shorts, tropical print flowing behind her.

Female model walks the runway in a white two-piece outfit with blue, pink, and yellow geometric triangle patterns on a checkered floor.

Model walks the runway in a sleeveless, multicolor geometric-print gown with high heels.

Model walks a runway in a red sheer gown with bead lattice detailing and high-heeled sandals.

Male model on a fashion runway wearing a sheer black shirt with red sequin heart patches, tan tights, and black boots, holding a large black inflatable prop.

Model walking a fashion runway in a silver sequined dress with a large fur stole, against a black-and-white checkered floor and an audience in the background.

Runway model in a champagne strapless beaded gown with a large bow and flowing cape; another model in pink behind on a checkered catwalk.

Model walks a runway in a gold metallic gown with an ornate beaded collar and a flowing brown cape behind her.

Model walking a runway in a strapless black bodice, pale lavender train skirt, black lace tights, gloves, and an ornate silver headpiece.

Models walk a rainbow-colored fashion show on a black-and-white checkered runway.

Three fashion models walk hand-in-hand on a white runway, taking selfies with their phones as they pose.

Model walking the runway in a strapless black bodice and a gold sequined mermaid-style skirt, accessorized with jewelry.

Female model on a runway wearing a green patterned kaftan with blue embroidery and matching blue sandals.

Model on a runway wearing a black, gold-embroidered gown; audience blurred in the background on the sides of the catwalk.

Model walking runway in a dark, gold-embroidered cape with floral patterns; hair in a bun, audience in background.

Male model on a fashion runway wearing a shiny black leather-look jacket, open chest with gold chains and sunglasses, with other models in the background.

Models strut down a white runway in a fashion show; a man in black leather outfit leads beside a silver-dressed woman, with others in stylish outfits behind them on a striped floor.

Model walks the runway in a red sequined gown with a voluminous red tulle headpiece and flowing cape, audience in the background.

Model in a dramatic black couture gown with a large circular hat walking a checkered runway.

Model in a strapless black lace corset gown with a long sheer cape on a runway.

Model walks the runway in a bold purple oversized outfit with an orange headscarf; another model in green is visible in the background on a checkered floor.

Fashion Factor XIV Behind the Scenes

A runway show is about ninety minutes of finished image built on two days of controlled chaos, and that’s the half we most enjoy documenting. Our behind-the-scenes coverage of Fashion Factor XIV was shot in black and white as a deliberate choice: stripped of colour, backstage reads as reportage, and the focus falls on gesture, texture and tension rather than fabric swatches.

These frames move through the whole arc of the night. The empty checkerboard runway before doors. The hair and makeup floor at full tilt, mirrors lit, Numi Beauty robes over half-finished looks, artists working inches from a model’s face. Rails of couture sorted by designer, dressers steaming hems, a gown waiting alone on a stand. The lighting and sound desk mid-cue. The photographers’ pit filling up. Then the quieter, stranger moments that only exist backstage: models stretching in the dark, a disc hat balanced carefully before a walk, two friends laughing between changes, someone alone in a doorway thirty seconds before stepping into the light.

There’s also one frame of the three of us. Media passes on, cameras down, sitting on the flight cases in the loading area between shows, which is about as accurate a portrait of event photography as we could give you.

Three media crew members sit on equipment cases, smiling; the person in the center holds a large lens overhead, while the others have cameras and lanyards in a studio setting.

Models line up on a runway during a fashion event; large screen behind reads 'THE IDENTITY' and 'FASHION FACTOR' with 'Curated by Samsung' text.

Model walks down a fashion runway in a sleeveless black top and jeans, with backstage figures in the background.

Black-and-white fashion portrait of a woman in a lace dress with a chunky chain necklace and crown against a dark background.

Group of photographers with cameras on tripods in a studio setup, ready to shoot a fashion event without visible models in frame.

A fashion show on a lit runway with models posing while a seated audience watches from the sides.

Professional audio mixing console with multiple screens and faders in a dimly lit recording studio

Backstage makeup station with illuminated vanity mirrors and several women applying makeup.

Person in a black shirt and jeans takes a self-portrait in a vanity mirror, holding a camera to their face.

Photographer in a studio aiming a long lens at a subject, wearing headphones, with other gear and a second person in the background (black-and-white image).

Back view of a person with long hair, wearing a lace top, in a dressing room with round vanity lights in the background

Black-and-white photo of a female model in a satin gown with a large round hat, posing with hand on hip.

Two women with wavy blonde hair pose back-to-back in black strapless outfits on a large, shiny metallic gown outdoors at night.

Woman standing barefoot on a stage, facing the camera, wearing a lace top and jeans, holding a smartphone near her chest with an audience blurred behind.

Makeup artist applies lipstick to a client in a backstage makeup area with bright vanity lights behind them

Black-and-white fashion runway scene with a group of people gathered at the far end; a large screen displays 'THE IDENTITY' and 'FASHION FACTOR'.

People gathered at an event looking at a wall of fashion photos pinned to a display board at night.

Woman wearing a large round hat stands with her back to the camera as a crowd moves past at night, captured with long exposure creating motion blur.

Man in a baseball cap hands jewelry to a woman in a voluminous ball gown at a dark, festive event.

Backstage makeup room with illuminated vanity mirrors and stylists applying makeup to models seated in chairs at each station of a busy studio judge

Two female models pose on a backstage fashion set, one in a glittery jumpsuit seated and the other in a black sequined dress standing, with motion blur suggesting movement and lighting equipment nearby.

Table covered with jewelry—necklaces, bracelets, and earrings—plus model photos taped to a backdrop behind the display.

Backstage fashion moment: a man adjusts an oversized circular headpiece on a smiling model as others look on.

Two people embrace and dance closely in a dimly lit clothing store, with racks of shirts visible in the background.

Model backstage on a fashion show runway wearing a structured, long dress with a wrapped waist and headpiece, barefoot on a dark floor with racks of clothing nearby.

Backstage at a fashion show: a model poses in a glittery outfit with a coat, clothing racks visible in the background.

Woman in a sparkling costume posing on a stage-like platform during a fashion event, hands on hips, clutch bag at side.

Person wearing oversized black sunglasses and large headphones, with a fur-trimmed coat in a dark studio.

Group of male cameramen with large video cameras on tripods at a film set, monitoring footage.

Backstage dressing room: a woman in a sequined, ornate gown is being adjusted by two men while other staff help with outfits nearby beside clothing racks.

Backstage at a fashion show: a model in an elaborate white gown with a lace parasol walks past racks of gowns while crew watches.

Six women in vintage-inspired outfits pose together for a monochrome fashion shoot at night, serious expressions at the camera.

Fashion Factor XIV Designers & Models

Thirty-one designers showed across the two nights, most of them emerging and independent labels using Fashion Factor as a launch platform, alongside the established European houses Gerard Darel and Luisa Spagnoli. Each one has a full gallery of its own here, photographed look by look, front and back, from opening exit to finale. Click any name to see that designer’s complete runway set.

Day 1, Saturday 13 June 2026

Harvey Cenit · Viktoriavarga · Zorae · Nour · Aaronic Atelier · Levelone Men · Osoul Rabat · Shahid Afridi · Rana Aboutaleb · De Meena · Viktorykw · La Maison Ferri · Mariana Shihada · Elaia Jewelry · Ean.Ian478 · Alex & Melik · Zeena Zaki

Day one opened with Harvey Cenit’s ivory baroque showpiece and ran through Viktoriavarga’s hand-painted colour, Zorae’s monochrome minimalism, Nour’s jewel-toned modest satins, Aaronic Atelier’s black-and-gold theatre, Osoul Rabat’s Moroccan caftans and Ean.Ian478’s avant-garde conceptual work, before Zeena Zaki closed the night with corseted fairytale couture.

Day 2, Sunday 14 June 2026

Rafik Zaki · Kapsul · Byramla · Rune.KW · Ashima Sachdeva · Shibina · Art Piece by Nysia Izuagbe · Shecczzar · Levelone Women · Maison Cote a Cote · Tatiana Bauer · Gerard Darel · Luisa Spagnoli · Walid Attalah

Day two opened with Rafik Zaki’s opulent couture and moved through Kapsul’s sequinned party wear, Rune.KW’s architectural capes, Shibina’s deconstructed layering and Nysia Izuagbe’s hand-painted wearable art, into the European houses Gerard Darel and Luisa Spagnoli, before Walid Attalah closed the entire edition with a black lace caped gown and the designer’s own walk.

The Models

A show is only as good as the people who carry it, and Fashion Factor XIV was walked by a genuinely international cast. Models based in Dubai lined up alongside talent from Iran, Ukraine, Russia, Italy, China, Turkey and beyond, many signed to Dubai agencies, several with large followings of their own. Across the two nights they carried 31 collections between them, moving from couture ballgowns to menswear, modest kaftans and hand-painted wearable art, often with only minutes between changes and a full quick-change backstage in between.

Some walked both evenings. Fashion Model Negar Mirzadeh and Anastasiia brought the biggest followings in the room, Sajjad Pourhassanfarkhani anchored the menswear segments, and Natalia Lupatova, Francesca Stabile and Diana Leksakova were among the faces returning across multiple designers. The models who walked the Fashion Factor XIV runway include:

Negar Mirzadeh · Anastasiia · Sajjad Pourhassanfarkhani · Hadis Sattari · Rose · Francesca Stabile · Becca · Diana Leksakova · Romina Hatefi · Annie · Zeynep K. · Natalia Lupatova · Mahsa · Mania · Vida · Victoria · Milanna Fedorchuk · Liu Siyu · Maria Verbeshchuk · Esther · Maryam Soleimani · Setaayesh Bagheri · Parisa Alavi · Anastasiia Ponomarova · Aida Shihada · Fee