Widely recognized as one of the region’s best, and assuredly favorite, incubator of talent for all things fashion-related, Fashion Trust Arabia’s annual flagship competition, which seeks to reward some of the Middle East and North Africa’s most promising minds, is set to cut the proverbial ribbon on its fifth edition in Doha, Qatar, this Oct. 23. Ahead of the much-awaited event, which is expected to gather industry insiders and experts from all over the Arab World and beyond, the highly esteemed initiative, which falls under the patronage of HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, and Lebanese fashion editor Tania Fares, has just revealed the slate of names that will be judging the next cohort of trailblazing designers to keep a close eye on.
Expected to pluck 24 finalists out of a much larger pool of candidates to eventually make their way to Qatar and put their sartorial creations on display, the panel of acclaimed juries will, as it traditionally has since its inception in 2019, include several renowned fashion designers, influential industry leaders, and distinguished tastemakers from all around the globe and whose discerning eye will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in selecting the most exceptional talents to receive the prestigious FTA accolades.
From the list of 27 names that have been revealed today, some of the most prolific names include Adam Baidawi, Deputy Global Editorial Director of GQ, Nadia Dhouib, General Manager of Paco Rabanne fashion, Nina Garcia editor-in-chief of ELLE, Sofia Guellaty, founder and creative director of MILLE World (woop woop), French-Tunisian talent agent Saif Mahdhi, and Michael Ward Managing Director of Harrods amongst others.
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With applicants dearly hoping to sweep the several career-changing prizes there are to compete for, which range from substantial amounts of investments into respective brands and mentorships to exposure in world-leading stores, the contest will also provide the opportunity for participants to build a global network, which goes far beyond the region’s geographical borders through FTA’s guest country partnership. Past editions notably invited Turkey and Colombia to take part in the ceremony, and this year they will be passing the baton to Nigeria, which is promising to bring a vibrant fusion of cultural influences between West Africa and the MENA.
As we impatiently wait for the names of the selected designers to be revealed, in the meantime, scroll through the full list of the panel jury of the 2023 edition of Fashion Trust Arabia.
Imruh Asha @imruh
Adam Baidawi @adambaidawi
Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele @carlynecerfdedudzeele
Delfina Delettrez @delfinadelettrez
Nadia Dhouib @nadia_dhouib
Peter Dundas @peter_dundas
Nina Garcia @ninagarcia
Tiffany Godoy @tiffanygodoypresents
Sofia Guellaty @sofiaguellaty
Beka Gvishiani @stylenotcom
Caroline Issa @carolineissa
Carlijn Jacobs @carlijnjacobs
Ana Khouri @anakhouri
Saif Mahdhi @saifoo7
Sara Maino @saramaino_
Tyler Mitchell @tylersphotos
Valerie Messika @valeriemessika
Carlos Nazario @mr_carlos_nazario
Piotrek Panszczyk & Beckett Fogg @piotrekpanszczyk & @beckettfogg
Fabio Piras @fabiopiras
Gaia Repossi @gaiarepossi
Sarah Staudinger @staud
Michael Ward @harrods
Kelly Wearstler @kellywearstler
Miral Youssef @miralyoussef
