Fashion Trust Arabia London dinner in celebration 2023 winners

Fashion Trust Arabia London dinner in celebration of the 2023 winners

London, June 17th, 2024, On Monday evening, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Tania Fares hosted an exclusive dinner at Claridge’s Hotel in celebration of Fashion Trust Arabia’s 2023 prize winners and the launch of their collections at Harrods: Amir Al Kasm (Eveningwear, Syria), Cynthia Merhej (Eveningwear, Lebanon) Ahmed Amer (Ready-to-Wear, Lebanon), Katarina Tarazi (Jewellery, Lebanon), Omar Taha & Lily Max (Accessories, Egypt) Adam Elyasse (Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award, Morocco) and Adeju Thompson (Guest Country Award, Nigeria).

Attendees included leading fashion designers David Koma, Simone Rocha, Han Chong, Priya Ahluwalia, Robert Wun, as well as renowned guests and celebrities from the fashion, beauty, art, and culture industries, including Princess Eugene, Salma Hayek, Naomi Campbell, Damson Idris, Sabrina Elba, Paloma Faith, Isamaya Ffrench, Campbell Addy, Tristram Hunt, who came together in celebration of the incredible fashion talent from the MENA region.

Speaking at the event, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, co-chair of Fashion Trust Arabia said: “These outstanding designers now join our past FTA Award Winners in a fast-growing network that demonstrates the MENA region has moved to the forefront of the creative industries. This is the awareness we were determined to cultivate when Fashion Trust Arabia was established under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. I offer my warmest congratulations to this year’s winners and look forward to what their bright futures have to bring.”

During their time in London the Fashion Trust Arabia winners and finalists will take part in a two-day bespoke mentorship programme in partnership with The Bicester Collection, Brand x Society, and the British Fashion Council. The mentorship will cover various topics essential to the growth of their businesses presented by a line-up of industry experts, offering a broader scope of knowledge to support the emerging talent.

In preparation for the FTA Awards Ceremony taking place in October 2024, FTA has just announced this year’s Advisory Board. This board is responsible for selecting the FTA designer finalists from a wide range of applications spanning the entire MENA region. Once selected by the Advisory Board, the finalists will present their work to the FTA Jury for a chance to win the FTA 2024 Prize across seven categories.

This year’s Advisory Board continues the legacy of bringing together leading industry experts and tastemakers, including both new and returning members: Sarah Andelman, June Ambrose, Adam Baidawi, Carmen Busquets, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Charles Levai & Kevin Tekinel, Delfina Delettrez, Nadia Dhouib, Peter Dundas, Nina Garcia, Sofia Guellaty, Beka Gvishiani, Caroline Issa, Gabriella Karefa Johnson, Ana Khouri, Susie Lau, Saif Mahdhi, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Ugo Mozie, Carlos Nazario, Gaia Repossi, Law Roach, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, LaQuan Smith, Sara Sozzani Maino, Michael Ward and Kelly Wearstler.