MADE IN ARABIA

Written By: Ellen Grace Jones

Nadine Mosallam, Yasmin Mansour, and Reem Hamed were among this year's winners at The Fashion Trust Arabia Awards in Marrakech

Marrakech glistened under the desert moon as Fashion Trust Arabia turned El Badi Palace into the epicenter of style for its sixth annual FTA Prize. Part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, this dazzling event united a star- studded crowd. From royalty to regional tastemakers and global luminaries to industry heavyweights, the spectacular evening was a celebration of emerging talent from the MENA region.

The brainchild of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Tania Fares, the FTA has been on a mission since 2018 to elevate MENA’s burgeoning fashion scene onto the global stage. This year, the stakes were higher, the designs bolder, and the guest list? Pure fire.

LIGHTS, CELEBS, ACTION

Marrakech’s iconic palace saw a red carpet graced by Angela Bassett (yes, the Angela Bassett) and Egyptian actor Ahmad Helmy as hosts, flanked by a guest list that read like the Met Gala: Carla Bruni, Natalia Vodianova, Taraji P. Henson, and Jameela Jamil, to name a few.

Paris Jackson and Sophie Ellis-Bextor brought the rockstar vibes, with Sophie belting out her hits to an enraptured crowd. Even fashion darlings like Alton Mason and Paloma Elsesser couldn’t resist this sartorial soirée.

AND THE AWARDS GO TO…

Seven trailblazing winners emerged, chosen by an esteemed international jury as glittering as the show itself — think Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, Zuhair Murad, and Amina Muaddi.

Leading the roll call of champions was Nadine Mosallam who wowed with playful, culture- infused designs to win the Ready-to-Wear category. Hailed for redefining elegance with a modern edge, Yasmin Mansour won Eveningwear designer.

The Accessories category saw Reem Hamed of RAMLA triumph with her designs that beautifully blend tradition and contemporary craftsmanship, showcasing locally rooted elegance. In Jewelry, APOA (helmed by Noura, Sara, and Mashael Al Saud), captivated with their pearl-inspired creations.

The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award went to Sylwia Nazzal, whose designs, deeply rooted in Palestinian heritage, brought an emotional and cultural resonance to the stage. In the Fashion Tech category, Batoul Al-Rashdan impressed with her pioneering use of bio-based materials, pushing the boundaries of innovation in the industry.

Representing Spain, the Guest Country Award was claimed by Acromatyx, led by Francisco Barroso and Javier Garcia, whose forward-thinking designs showcased a masterful balance of creativity and craftsmanship.

Winners didn’t just score trophies — they secured cash prizes up to $200,000, a year- long mentorship program, and spots at top- tier retailers like Harrods and Ounass.

REDEFINING RUNWAYS

Beyond the awards, glitzy gowns, and Insta- worthy moments, Fashion Trust Arabia is a serious lifeline for regional designers navigating the global fashion labyrinth. While the New York, Paris, London, Milan quaternity still dominates the global fashion arena, the MENA region is carving out its own space with a distinct voice and vision, edging ever closer to the spotlight it deserves.

By merging heritage with innovation, regional designers are proving themselves powerhouses of creativity and sustainability. From the glimmer of sequins under Marrakech’s starry sky to the unbreakable bonds forged between tradition and tech, MENA designers are not just shaping fashion, but redefining it, weaving rich cultural narratives into extraordinary designs that challenge convention.