Fashion Trust Arabia Awards Shine Spotlight on MENA Design Talent

The Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) recently concluded its highly anticipated 2025 awards ceremony in Doha, celebrating an array of exceptional design talent from the Middle East and North Africa. The prestigious event saw Moroccan designer Youssef Drissi, with his label Late for Work, claim the coveted ready-to-wear designer award, marking a significant moment for emerging fashion from the region. As a non-profit fund, the FTA plays a crucial role in nurturing and elevating new voices in the design world.

Beyond the ready-to-wear category, several other designers were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Saudi-based Ziyad Albuainain was honored with the evening wear award, while Morocco's Leila Roukni received the accessories prize for her label, Talel. The jewellery category saw Paris-based Egyptian Farah Radwan triumph for her brand, Fyr. These winning designers across the four main categories are set to receive substantial grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, along with a year-long mentorship program provided by The Bicester Collection. Additionally, their innovative designs will gain invaluable exposure, being stocked at renowned luxury retailers Harrods and Ounass for an entire season.

The seventh edition of the awards also celebrated a diverse group of other visionaries. Bahrain-born, Switzerland-raised designer Alaa Alaradi was presented with the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent award, acknowledging his promising start in the industry. Bahraini sisters Dalal and Fatema Alkhaja secured the Fashion Tech Award for their groundbreaking brand, Touchless. Indian designer Kartik Kumra, representing his label Kartik Research, was recognized with this year’s guest country award. Veteran fashion icon Zuhair Murad received the esteemed Trailblazer Award for his enduring impact, and the iconic fashion matriarch Miuccia Prada was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, specifically for her "profound impact on style, culture, and innovation."

The selection of this season's winners was meticulously undertaken by an illustrious panel of judges, comprised of 18 pre-selected emerging designers and an elite group of industry titans. This esteemed jury included supermodels Gisele Bundchen, Natalia Vodianova, and Paloma Elsesser, alongside influential designers such as Viktor & Rolf, Guram Gvasalia, Rabih Kayrouz, Duran Lantik, Christian Louboutin, Zuhair Murad, Stefano Pilati, Francesco Risso, Daniel Roseberry, Veronica Leoni of Calvin Klein, Arnaud Vaillant and Sébastien Meyer from Coperni, and Giambattista Valli. The panel also featured celebrated accessories designers Yoon Ahn, Amina Muaddi, and Caroline Scheufele of Chopard, among other highly respected figures from the fashion and creative sectors.