In collaboration with Arab Fashion Council, Dubai Fashion Week continued to showcase stellar designs from ground-breaking and distinctive designers for their AW23/24 fashion collections.

Re-writing the rulebook in the Arab fashion industry by collating a collection inspired by gender fluidity, is Moroccan designer Yousseff Drissi. The 23-year-old quoted “If you obey the rules, you miss all the fun,” and this is represented in his latest exhibition by playing with juxtaposing ensembles.

The Moroccan brand Late for Work has been making waves for its refreshing contemporary approach to workwear. Viewing a gap in the market for stylish yet functional fashion, Late for Work is the new practice for different work environments. Honing his signature aesthetic, Drissi incorporated sleek and modern designs with clean lines and minimalist silhouettes that are both professional and fashion-forward.

With brands focusing on how they can implement sustainability into their core values, Late for Work does not shy away from promoting sustainable efforts in the ethics of the business. The brand uses organic cotton and recycled materials in its clothing with all manufacturing produced in Morocco ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for its workers.

Whether it’s a dress-up or dress-down day, Drissi has created versatility in his wide-legged trousers, belted from top to bottom, his pajama-style workwear – perfect for in and out of the house, and crop blazers to compliment his signature oversized shirts. Late for Work also offers a range of accessories, including leather bags and shoes, created using high-quality materials. The attention to detail is prominent in the finished product.

A key strength is its versatility as the brand’s clothing can be worn in a variety of work settings from the office to the creative industry. Sustainable and organic materials mean that not only is the quality of the clothing comfortable and long-lasting, but stylish and environmentally friendly.

Drissi has previously mentioned in an interview the name Late for Work was “actually the name of my graduation collection. It was initially intended to mark the paradox between the two environments: the office, where everything is formal, and another universe where everything is allowed.”

We witnessed the formal wear reimagined with disproportional cuts and intrusion of color pop with a thick, velvety fabric that takes the attire out of the office. Oversized tailoring, textures, and movements, along with various silhouettes, felt alive on the runway and enabled Lateforwork women to walk freely in the dead stock fabrics to promote sustainability. The designer gave us revisited striped shirts, shoulder-padded jackets, and articles with a flowy feel.

Even the music felt like an abstract representation of the clothing line with classic songs mixed with a seasonal jingle – a perfect blend and contrast with the brand. Grab your blanket and pillow and take a look at some of the best unconventional opulent ensembles at the Dubai Fashion Week AW23/24 show.