Founded by Tania Fares and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, with the patronage of Honorary Chair HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) has been dedicated to scouting, funding and nurturing design talent across the MENA region for the last four years. In exciting news for the region, FTA has just announced the upcoming fifth edition of its highly anticipated annual FTA Awards. Taking place in Doha, Qatar, this event will once again shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent emerging from the Middle East and North Africa region. In addition to this exciting news, FTA has unveiled an esteemed Advisory Board and an incredible partnership with Nigeria, which will serve as the Guest Country for the 2023 edition.
Scheduled for the week of October 23rd, 2023, the FTA Awards will captivate audiences with a series of local activations, showcasing the best of MENA fashion. Designers from across the region will have the opportunity to present their extraordinary work and compete for the prestigious FTA 2023 Awards. This event promises to be a celebration of creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The selection process for the FTA Awards begins with the Advisory Board, a distinguished panel responsible for carefully curating the 24 designer finalists from a wide range of applications. These talented individuals will then have the chance to present their collections to the FTA Jury, hoping to secure a coveted win at the FTA 2023 Awards.
Read More: Fashion Trust Arabia 2022: The Complete List Of Nominees And Prize Winners
The Advisory Board comprises an impressive lineup of industry experts and tastemakers, including Imruh Asha, the Fashion Director at Dazed; Adam Baidawi, the Deputy Global Editorial Director of GQ and Head of British GQ and Nadia Dhouib, the Managing Director at Paco Rabanne, among other influential figures.
Winners of the FTA Awards will receive remarkable prizes, including a financial grant ranging from $100,000 (Dhs367,300) to $200,000 (Dhs734,600), depending on the scale of their business. The recipient of the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award will be awarded $25,000 (Dhs91,800). Additionally, winners in the ready-to-wear, accessories, and jewellery categories will embark on a one-year mentorship program with MATCHES, gaining invaluable industry insights and exposure. The evening-wear category winner will have the opportunity to showcase their collection at Harrods, reaching an international audience.
Read More: All Of The Best Celebrity Looks From Fashion Trust Arabia 2022
FTA will also offer winners a range of exclusive benefits, such as mentorships with The Bicester Collection, showroom representation and PR consultancy by Maison Pyramide. The ready-to-wear category winner will also have the privilege of interning at Huntsman in London, where they will create a capsule collection to be sold on the retailer’s e-commerce platform. Maison De Mode, a luxury ethical fashion retail platform, will provide tailored mentorships focusing on sustainability and ethical fashion practices to all six winners.
With the fifth edition of the FTA Awards on the horizon, the fashion industry eagerly awaits another spectacular showcase of MENA talent. Fashion Trust Arabia continues to make a lasting impact by providing financial grants, mentorship programs, and invaluable opportunities for emerging designers to thrive on a global stage. As the event draws near, all eyes will be on Doha, where the fashion world will unite to celebrate creativity, innovation and the rich cultural heritage of the MENA region.
To learn more about Fashion Trust Arabia and the FTA Awards, click here.
