Fashion Trust Arabia Announces Finalists for 2025 Awards
Published
September 18, 2025
In a significant development for the fashion industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the non-profit organization Fashion Trust Arabia has revealed the finalists for its prestigious 2025 awards. This year, the competition has expanded its horizons by including three emerging designers from India, the designated guest country. The awards ceremony is set to take place in Doha on November 22, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the region’s burgeoning fashion scene.
Celebrating Emerging Talent
Fashion Trust Arabia aims to support and promote emerging designers from the MENA region, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity and innovation. The finalists for this year’s awards have been carefully selected, highlighting a diverse array of talent across various categories.
Ready-to-Wear Category
In the ready-to-wear category, the finalists include:
- Shahd AlShehail from Saudi Arabia
- Youssef Drissi from Morocco
- Iman Coccellato from Tunisia
These designers represent a blend of cultural influences and contemporary aesthetics, reflecting the rich heritage and modernity of their respective countries.
Eveningwear Category
The eveningwear category features:
- Ziyad Albuainain from Saudi Arabia
- Dana Almulla from Qatar
- Sharifa Alsharif Alhashemi from the United Arab Emirates
Each of these designers brings a unique perspective to evening fashion, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and innovative designs that cater to a sophisticated clientele.
Accessories and Jewelry Categories
The accessories category includes:
- Leila Roukni from Morocco
- Duha Bukadi from Tunisia
- The duo Sharifa Alsulaiti and Altaf Almudhayan from Kuwait
In the jewelry category, the finalists are:
- Patrick Boghossian from Lebanon
- Farah Radwan from Egypt
- Clara Chehab from Lebanon
These designers are recognized for their ability to blend traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities, creating pieces that resonate with both local and international audiences.
Special Awards and Recognition
The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award, named in honor of the late Vogue Italia editor, recognizes emerging talents who are making waves in the fashion industry. This year’s nominees include:
- Alaa Alaradi from Bahrain
- Ayham Hassan from Palestine
- Fatma Elshabbi from Libya
Additionally, the fashion tech category has selected:
- Assaad Awad from Lebanon
- Zahia Albakri from Jordan
- Fatema and Dalal Alkhaja from Bahrain
These finalists are pushing the boundaries of fashion through technology, integrating innovative solutions into their designs and business models.
Guest Country: India
As the guest country for this year’s awards, India is represented by three notable designers:
- Kartik Kumra of Kartik Research
- Ankur Verma of TIL
- Akhil Nagpal of AKHL
This inclusion not only highlights the growing influence of Indian fashion on the global stage but also fosters cross-cultural collaborations that can enrich the MENA fashion landscape.
Awards and Opportunities
Winners of the Fashion Trust Arabia awards will receive substantial grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, along with the Franca Sozzani prize, which offers $50,000. Beyond financial support, the winners will benefit from a one-year mentoring program with The Bicester Collection, a luxury retail group known for its commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Moreover, the designs of the winners will be showcased at prestigious retail outlets such as Harrods and Ounass for one season, providing invaluable exposure to a global audience. The winner of the ready-to-wear category will also have the opportunity to create a capsule collection in collaboration with Huntsman in London, further enhancing their professional portfolio.
The Impact of Fashion Trust Arabia
Fashion Trust Arabia has been instrumental in elevating the profile of MENA designers on the international stage. Since its inception, the organization has focused on fostering creativity and innovation within the region, providing a much-needed platform for emerging talent. The awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also contribute to the broader narrative of fashion as a vital cultural and economic force in the MENA region.
The inclusion of Indian designers this year signifies a growing trend of collaboration and exchange between different fashion cultures, reflecting the interconnectedness of the global fashion industry. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the unique perspectives offered by designers from diverse backgrounds, initiatives like Fashion Trust Arabia play a crucial role in shaping the future of fashion.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the finalists for the 2025 Fashion Trust Arabia awards marks a significant milestone in the journey of emerging designers from the MENA region and beyond. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange, the awards ceremony in Doha promises to be a celebration of talent that transcends borders. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the contributions of these designers will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the global stage.
