The Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) Prize has become a beacon of excellence in the Middle Eastern fashion industry, recognizing and empowering the region's most promising designers. As the countdown to the 2024 edition begins, the organization recently celebrated the winners from 2023 at a star-studded dinner in London, showcasing the remarkable talent that continues to emerge from the Arab world.
Elevating the Voices of MENA's Fashion Visionaries
A Prestigious Platform for Emerging Designers
The Fashion Trust Arabia Prize has established itself as a prestigious platform for emerging designers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The annual event, now in its fifth edition, has become a highly anticipated celebration of the region's fashion talent, attracting the attention of industry luminaries and fashion enthusiasts alike.The 2023 edition of the FTA Prize was initially set to take place in Doha, Qatar, but was ultimately canceled due to the "ongoing and deeply distressing humanitarian crisis in Palestine." Despite the change in plans, the organization remained steadfast in its commitment to honoring the exceptional designers who had been selected as winners.
A Glittering Celebration in London
The winners were celebrated at a star-studded dinner held at the iconic Claridge's in London. The event was attended by a who's who of the fashion world, including former Vogue Arabia cover stars Salma Hayek-Pinault and Ikram Abdi, Lebanese actor Razane Jammal, and supermodel Naomi Campbell. They were joined by HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Chairperson of the Qatar Museums, and Tania Fares, the founder of the Fashion Trust Arabia.The seven winners honored at the gathering represented a diverse range of talents, showcasing the depth and breadth of the MENA fashion landscape. The honorees included womenswear designer Amir Al-Kasm, Renaissance Renaissance founder Cynthia Merhej (Eveningwear), Beirut-based designer Ahmed Amer (Ready-to-wear), Lebanese-British designer Katarina Tarazi (Jewelry), Omar Taha and Lily Max of design studio A Better Feeling (Accessories), menswear designer Adam Elyasse (Franca Sozzani Debut Talent), and Nigerian designer Adeju Thompson (Guest Country Award).
Fostering Diversity and Inclusivity
The Fashion Trust Arabia Prize has always been committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the fashion industry. This ethos is reflected in the organization's decision to host the upcoming sixth edition of the FTA Prize in Marrakesh, Morocco, as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture."In line with our ongoing dedication to diversity and inclusivity, we've selected the lively city of Marrakech as our hosting location," a statement from the organizers read. "The FTA Prize 2024 will extend invitations to talents worldwide, as we explore and showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Morocco."The move to Marrakesh underscores the FTA's commitment to amplifying the voices of designers from across the MENA region and beyond. The organization's Advisory Board, which includes industry luminaries such as Law Roach, Peter Dundas, Nadia Dhouib, Gaia Repossi, and more, further reinforces its dedication to nurturing and supporting the next generation of fashion visionaries.
Empowering the Next Generation of Fashion Talent
The Fashion Trust Arabia Prize has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring designers in the MENA region. By providing a platform for emerging talents to showcase their work and receive recognition from industry leaders, the FTA is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of fashion in the Arab world.The upcoming 2024 edition of the FTA Prize is now open for applications, offering designers the opportunity to be part of this prestigious and transformative initiative. With the support of its esteemed Advisory Board and the commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, the FTA is poised to continue its mission of empowering the next generation of fashion talent, and solidifying the MENA region's position as a hub of creativity and innovation.
