The AFRA World plays an important role in the global fashion context as it offers this much-needed impetus to young, emerging designers.
Niti Gupta
Niti Gupta envisions her role in Dubai’s glittering luxury landscape as that of a change-maker. The style & design alchemist is a creative force, building bridges across geographies and connecting designers with new audiences through her transformative platform, The AFRA World. As a master curator, she brings to life groundbreaking fashion events, merges global fashion, and fosters emerging talent. In doing so, she is shaping the future of fashion, while making a significant cultural and economic impact in Dubai’s burgeoning fashion ecosystem.
“Year after year I see so many young designers coming up in India, trying to create their brand and their identity. So many incredible designers are getting lost in a sea of talent and competition, since thousands of people are vying for the same spot. We wanted to create a luxury platform where we could give importance to and shine a spotlight on emerging designers, who we feel have immense potential. This exposure can catapult them to the next level in a much shorter duration of time,” she explains. And so, The AFRA World plays an important role in the global fashion context as it offers this much-needed impetus to young, emerging designers. Gupta’s vision of bringing very talented designers into the spotlight, on the same platform as top-level designers and on an equal footing, is slowly but surely reshaping the way Indian fashion is perceived, consumed and curated across the world.
The voice of change
Gupta’s endeavour with The AFRA World is to bridge cultures through fashion. “We fuse diverse cultures together, and bring about a shift in the mind set where accepting fashion from different cultures becomes a way of life. The AFRA World reflects the diversity of Global Fashion. Our curation is conscious of the diversity and rich heritage of the global fashion landscape, while seeking new evolutions—whether in our styling, or the nationalities and cultures we draw from. And so, while we are maintaining the rich heritage, we are also opening new doors for our designers to transcend new boundaries, access new clientele, and to constantly innovate their styling with diverse accessories, jewellery and collaborative styling,” she elaborates. The name of her venture is thus especially befitting—derived from Arabic, Turkish and Persian origins, the word AFRA means ‘colour of the earth’ in Arabic, while in Turkish it means the untrodden ground. In Persian, the word translates as maple, that encompasses beauty & grounding. Gupta adds, “For me, this name stood out because it resonates with the deep roots that the brand has with the world of fashion, one that stands elegant yet grounded, while also breaking new grounds by paving the way through unchartered territories and curations.
Making power moves
Dubai, a city synonymous with opulence and innovation, has witnessed the meteoric rise of The AFRA World, which has evolved into a cornerstone of the region's fashion narrative. This dynamic platform transcends the traditional fashion exhibition format, offering a unique blend of luxury and creativity that has quickly garnered international attention. With its carefully curated selection of designers and its commitment to showcasing cutting-edge creations, The AFRA World has become a must-attend for industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Beyond showcases, The AFRA World fosters meaningful connections within the fashion ecosystem and has introduced many verticals that serve as a catalyst for almist everyone connected to the fashion industry. From the runways, to retail exhibit, resource, collaborations, ambassadorship, young enterpreneurs, UAE retail treasures, red carpet, awards and round table conferences, the event serves as a valuable platform for brands to expand their global reach, connecting designers globally. Leveraging Dubai's cosmopolitan appeal, The AFRA World facilitates meaningful interactions between designers and their international clientele. As the city continues to solidify its position as a global fashion hub, The AFRA World is poised to play an increasingly vital role in its continued success and contributions to Dubai’s cultural and economic capital. Looking ahead, Gupta is eagerly anticipating several exciting collaborations. “We had 15 nations participating at our previous confluence in April 2025 and we look forward to welcoming more nations in 2026 ” says Niti, with a spark in her eyes!
Community building
Niti has also been the driving force behind the NIFT Alumni Networking Group, also known as NANG, and has been instrumental in bringing together NIFT alumni from across the globe. With unwavering dedication and a genuine passion for community building, she has tirelessly worked to connect individuals within the fraternity since the last 20 years — introducing alumni to one another, fostering meaningful collaborations, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. Niti firmly believes that with thousands of alumni placed around the world, the NIFT alumni network is an industry in itself — and staying connected is not just beneficial, but essential. Her commitment to this cause is completely voluntary, driven by a deep belief in the power of collective strength. Her efforts have made her an invaluable catalyst for connection, mentorship, and unity within the NIFT alumni community.
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