Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) has recently unveiled its exciting plans for the upcoming 2020 edition of its highly acclaimed Prize. Building on the success of its inaugural event earlier this year, FTA remains dedicated to promoting and supporting the thriving fashion industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. One of the notable additions for the 2020 edition is the establishment of an advisory board comprising of esteemed figures from the fashion world, such as Sarah Andelman, Carmen Busquets, and Jefferson Hack, among others. These industry experts will play a pivotal role in selecting a distinguished list of candidates for next year’s prestigious prize.
In addition to the advisory board, the 2020 edition of FTA Prize will introduce a new accolade specifically aimed at recognizing young talent in Arab fashion design. Named the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award in memory of the late editor of Vogue Italia, this award seeks to empower Arab fashion design graduates who completed their studies in 2018-19, underscoring FTA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the region.
The application process for the various FTA Prize categories is currently open exclusively to designers based in the MENA region, encompassing opportunities in eveningwear, ready-to-wear, accessories (shoes and bags), and jewelry. Interested individuals can submit their applications online until November 30th. Notably, recipients of the 2019 FTA Prize, including Salim Azzam, Roni Helou, Mukhi Sisters, Krikor Jabotian, Zyne, and Sabry Marouf, were awarded substantial financial grants of up to $200,000 each, in addition to mentorship opportunities at MathesFashion.
Established in 2018 by Tania Fares and supported by prominent figures like H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, FTA is dedicated to uplifting design talent from the MENA region through financial assistance and industry guidance, while also spotlighting the region’s burgeoning fashion landscape on a global platform. The 2020 FTA awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the prestigious National Museum of Qatar on March 25, 2020, presenting a unique stage for Arab creatives to showcase their prowess and launch their careers on an international level.
To learn more about FTA and its initiatives, visit their official website here.
For updates on the upcoming 2020 FTA Prize event, follow their official social media channels on Instagram here.
