Fashion Trust Arabia Unveils 2025 Finalists Showcasing MENA and India's Brightest Design Talent
Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA), the non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing talent in the MENA region, has officially revealed the highly anticipated finalists for its 2025 awards. This prestigious selection highlights the ingenuity and vision of eighteen emerging designers hailing from various countries across the Middle East and North Africa, alongside three exceptional talents representing India, this year's distinguished guest country. The culmination of this journey will be celebrated at an exclusive ceremony scheduled to take place in Doha on November 22, 2025.
The ready-to-wear category showcases a diverse range of design philosophies, with Shahd AlShehail from Saudi Arabia, Youssef Drissi of Morocco, and Iman Coccellato from Tunisia earning their spots as finalists. In the eveningwear category, poised to illuminate the red carpet, the discerning jury has selected Ziyad Albuainain from Saudi Arabia, Dana Almulla of Qatar, and Sharifa Alsharif Alhashemi from the United Arab Emirates for their remarkable contributions.
For those excelling in the art of accessories, the finalists include Leila Roukni of Morocco and Duha Bukadi from Tunisia. A dynamic duo from Kuwait, Sharifa Alsulaiti and Altaf Almudhayan, also secured their place in this competitive category. In the realm of fine jewellery, the finalists who captivated the jury are Patrick Boghossian of Lebanon, Farah Radwan from Egypt, and Clara Chehab, also representing Lebanon, each demonstrating unique craftsmanship and artistic expression.
Beyond traditional design categories, Fashion Trust Arabia also celebrates innovation and emerging talent. The esteemed Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award, recognising promising new voices, has been granted to Alaa Alaradi of Bahrain, Ayham Hassan from Palestine, and Fatma Elshabbi of Libya. Furthermore, in the forward-thinking fashion tech category, the jury identified Assaad Awad of Lebanon, Zahia Albakri from Jordan, and the collaborative team of Fatema and Dalal Alkhaja of Bahrain as leading contenders.
As the guest country for the 2025 awards, India is proudly represented by three groundbreaking designers whose work reflects the rich heritage and contemporary pulse of the nation. These include Kartik Kumra of Kartik Research, Ankur Verma representing TIL, and Akhil Nagpal from AKHL, each bringing a unique perspective to the global fashion stage.
The winners of the Fashion Trust Arabia 2025 awards will receive substantial support to propel their careers forward. Recipients in the main categories will be awarded grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, while the Franca Sozzani prize winner will receive $50,000. Beyond monetary aid, all winners will benefit from an invaluable one-year mentoring programme with The Bicester Collection, providing expert guidance and industry insights. Additionally, their designs will gain significant exposure through being stocked at luxury retailers Harrods and Ounass for one season, offering direct access to a global clientele.
An exceptional opportunity awaits the winner of the ready-to-wear category, who will receive an exclusive placement in London with Huntsman, the renowned Savile Row bespoke tailor. This unique experience will allow them to create a distinctive capsule collection, which will then be made available for sale, marking a significant milestone in their design journey.
