Some of the most influential figures in fashion, art and entertainment gathered in Doha for the seventh edition of Fashion Trust Arabia, an event created to celebrate rising talent from the Middle East and North Africa. This year’s ceremony took place on November 21 in the Qatari capital and drew international stars, industry icons and regional designers.
Founded in 2018, FTA is the first initiative of its kind in the region. It operates under the patronage of honorary chair Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, alongside co chairs Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and Tania Fares, who continue to champion emerging creativity across the MENA region.
A Platform Supporting Designers from Across the Region
Each year, a jury of global fashion leaders selects winners in categories such as ready to wear, jewellery, evening wear, fashion tech and accessories. The programme also includes a guest country category, with India taking the spotlight this year. Applicants must be from a MENA nation and have at least two years of business experience.
Winners receive financial grants and one year of mentorship. Designers in the main fashion categories also earn the opportunity to have their collections sold at luxury retailer Harrods for one season.
Supermodel Gisele Bündchen attended the finalists showcase, joining Indian guest country winner Akhil Nagpal, highlighting the international recognition the platform has earned.
Qatar’s Cultural Ambition on Full Display
Qatar’s growing cultural presence played a prominent role during the event. While the country has one of the world’s smallest populations, it holds major influence through cultural investments, diplomatic ties and large scale global events. The National Vision 30 plan, set by former emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, aims to advance human, social, economic and environmental development.
The ceremony was held in front of the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by desert roses. Guests included François Henri Pinault, Anna Wintour, Miuccia Prada, Emma Roberts, Adrien Brody, Lindsay Lohan and Queen Latifah, who hosted the evening.
Recognizing Regional Talent and Innovation
Members of the jury praised standout designers from this year’s competition. Dutch designer Duran Lantink pointed to Moroccan ready to wear designer Youssef Drissi and Egyptian jewellery designer Farah Radwan as personal highlights.
Drissi’s label Late for Work features deconstructed silhouettes with a witty, contemporary edge, earning him the ready to wear prize. Radwan’s FYR Jewelry impressed with bold designs inspired by Egyptian visual heritage, securing her the jewellery prize.
Lifetime Honors and Artistic Performances
Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad was honored with the trailblazer award, while Miuccia Prada received the lifetime achievement award. Prada spoke about the importance of cultural exchange, a sentiment that perfectly aligned with the night’s theme of cross cultural creativity.
Guests ended the evening with a performance by music icon Chaka Khan, who transformed the ceremony into a lively celebration.
