The seventh iteration of the Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) awards recently illuminated Doha, bringing together a constellation of international and regional fashion stars. More than just an awards ceremony, the event served as a vibrant platform for budding designers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, offering them not only substantial financial aid but also invaluable professional guidance. This year's celebration, set against the striking backdrop of the Qatar National Museum, honored a diverse group of laureates whose innovative creations reflected a deep connection to their cultural roots and a forward-thinking vision for the global fashion landscape.
Fashion Trust Arabia: A Gala of Innovation and Heritage in Doha
The dazzling Fashion Trust Arabia awards ceremony, now in its seventh year, recently unfolded at the breathtaking Qatar National Museum in Doha, an architectural marvel designed by Jean Nouvel that echoes the beauty of the desert rose. The evening, graced by the presence of FTA Honorary Chair Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, was a convergence of global and regional luminaries, media professionals, and influential figures from the fashion industry. Guests were warmly welcomed by FTA Co-Chairs Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Tania Fares, who presided over the celebration of seven exceptional designer laureates hailing from the MENA region.
During her heartfelt opening address, Sheikha Mayassa passionately lauded the enduring spirit of the region's designers, highlighting their ability to create and narrate compelling stories even amidst challenging times. The magnificent museum, bathed in a soft pink glow, provided an ethereal setting for the gala, which was expertly co-hosted by the esteemed Queen Latifah and Egyptian actor Aiman Kaissouni. These seven triumphant designers were selected from a pool of 21 finalists by an illustrious FTA jury, featuring fashion icons such as Christian Louboutin, Duran Lantink, Giambattista Valli, and Rabih Kayrouz.
Among the celebrated winners was Moroccan-born Youssef Drissi, whose label, Late for Work, secured the Ready-to-Wear Award. Drissi's collection, presented during Paris Fashion Week in October, captivated audiences with its deconstructed approach to everyday wear, ingeniously blending cultural contradictions with a rebellious, thrift-shop aesthetic. Saudi Arabia-born, London-based Ziyad Al Buainain of Zyiad Buainain was honored with the Eveningwear Award for his remarkably adaptable gowns, which transformed with the simple pull of a zip or the release of a bow, revealing a hidden versatility within high glamour. The Accessories Award was bestowed upon Morocco's Leila Roukni of Talel, whose bags skillfully fused innovative geometric designs with rich traditional motifs. Egyptian designer Farah Radwan received the Jewelry Award for FYR Jewelry, celebrated for distilling heritage-rich designs into contemporary, sleek forms.
The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award was presented to Bahrain-born Alaa Alaradi for herHEAD Geneva graduate collection, Further Deeper Softer Closer, which explored the interplay of fluidity and discipline through ethereal, deconstructed silhouettes. Also from Bahrain, sisters Fatema and Dalal Alkhaja of Touchless were recognized with the Fashion Tech Award for their visually striking collection of futuristic, yet pliable and colorful, 3D-printed bags. India, this year's Guest Country, saw designer Kartik Kumra, based in both New Delhi and New York, earn top accolades for his brand, Kartik Research, which is rapidly gaining recognition for its artisanal and human-centric design philosophy.
The evening's distinguished guest list radiated as brightly as the awards themselves, with notable attendees including Adrien Brody, Emma Roberts, and an especially vivacious Lindsay Lohan. French cinematic elegance was personified by Isabelle Adjani, enigmatic in a wide-brimmed hat and flowing caftan, and Juliette Binoche, who commanded attention in a sculptural showstopper. Gisele Bündchen and Natalia Vodianova appeared as the epitome of glamorous companionship, enthusiastically cheering on performances by Saint Levant and Chaka Khan.
Fashion luminaries were present in full force. The impeccably dressed Stefano Pilati, now exploring furniture, architecture, and interior design, expressed his admiration for the passion and dedication of the emerging designers. He particularly praised the increased presence of women designers and their deep commitment to sustainability, harmoniously blending tradition with futuristic concepts—a narrative he noted was largely absent in earlier fashion eras. Francesco Risso, after his travels post-Marni, commended the young designers' exceptional focus on craftsmanship, a quality he found rare among newer talents. He highlighted the profound dedication evident in pieces requiring extensive hours of meticulous work, finding it profoundly satisfying amidst contemporary uncertainties.
Veronica Leoni, creative director for Calvin Klein, shared her profound impression of the designers' strong regional identities and their steadfast connection to their cultural heritage, even after international experiences. Duran Lantink, fresh from his bold debut as Jean Paul Gaultier's creative director, appreciated the designers' uninhibited creativity, prioritizing artistic expression over commercial concerns. He noted their unique approaches to tradition, seriously translating heritage into modern contexts, which he found highly compelling.
The pinnacle of the evening featured two honorary awards: Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad received the Trailblazer Award from Tania Fares, while the iconic Miuccia Prada was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Sheikha Al Mayassa spoke personally of Mrs. Prada’s consistent support for women and her revolutionary impact on fashion, defining elegance and confidence through her intellectual and at times unconventional aesthetic. Mrs. Prada, with her characteristic Milanese modesty, accepted the award, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration, especially in the current global climate.
This year's Fashion Trust Arabia awards served as a powerful testament to the vibrant and resilient spirit of the MENA region's design community. The event not only celebrated individual talent but also underscored the critical role of cultural heritage and sustainable practices in shaping the future of global fashion. The insights shared by seasoned industry figures highlighted a burgeoning movement where creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of identity are at the forefront. As these emerging designers continue to build bridges between their rich past and an innovative future, they offer a compelling vision for an industry that values both artistry and responsibility. The unwavering dedication and unique perspectives showcased at FTA signal a promising era for fashion, reminding us that true innovation often springs from a profound connection to one's roots and an openness to new frontiers.
