At the heart of this story stands Yuston Nessy Yusuf , founder of The One Fashion Week International, a visionary originally from Bukavu in South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bukavu is a city known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness, but also for its profound resilience. For more than three decades, the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has endured violent conflicts that have deeply affected millions of lives. Communities have faced immense hardship, yet they have continued to build, create and innovate.
From this environment emerged a generation shaped by resilience among them Yusuf Yuston Nessy. Growing up in Bukavu meant learning early that adversity can also forge vision, courage, and determination. It is from this resilient city, rich in culture and creativity, that the idea of The One Fashion Week International was born.
More than a fashion event, the initiative was conceived as a powerful storytelling platform where culture, art and creativity become tools to promote peace, dialogue, and unity among nations.
Over the years, the event has grown steadily through five successful editions hosted in Africa, bringing together designers, artists, institutions, diplomats, and media from different parts of the world. Each edition strengthened the platform’s reputation as a cultural meeting point where fashion intersects with diplomacy and international collaboration.
The decision to bring the sixth edition to Dubai was therefore not accidental. For Al’amir Yusif (The Prince Yusuf), Dubai represents something deeply familiar: the spirit of resilience.
Like Bukavu, Dubai tells a story of transformation driven by determination and vision. In only a few decades, the city rose from the desert to become one of the world’s most influential global hubs a place where cultures meet, ideas flourish, and innovation thrives.
By early 2026, preparations for the Dubai edition were already more than 80 percent complete, with international participants preparing to travel from across the world. However, due to regional uncertainties affecting international travel and logistics, the organization made the responsible decision to postpone the event to ensure the best possible conditions for its global community.
Despite the postponement, the mission remains unchanged. The One Fashion Week International continues to stand as a cultural platform where creativity becomes a language of peace, and where stories from different parts of the world can meet under one vision.
From Bukavu to Dubai, the journey reflects a simple yet powerful message:
Resilience can build bridges between cultures and sometimes even shape global movements.
