Fashion

Calling All Arab Designers! Applications Are Now Open For The $500,000 AFC Fashion Fund

BYMille Team

July 3, 2025

The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) has officially opened applications for the AFC Fashion Fund, a new biennial initiative offering a hefty $500,000 to help a rising Arab designer build a brand with global reach. The fund is designed as a two-year accelerator that covers every corner of the fashion business—production, PR, e-commerce, branding, IP protection, and more.

The AFC Fashion Fund is open to designers who hold citizenship from any Arab League country and specialize in ready-to-wear. The selection process will be rigorous, judged by a high-profile advisory board, and the winner will be announced this October.

Here’s how it works: one ready-to-wear designer will be selected every two years, and instead of just handing over the money, the AFC will guide them through four fully-produced fashion seasons. Think runway shows, showroom exposure in both Paris and Dubai, and a capsule collection with a major international brand. There’s also a strong focus on mentorship, with access to a global network of editors, investors, and industry veterans who can offer real advice—whether it’s about pricing, collection planning, or staying sustainable.

A standout feature is the “Global Collaboration Challenge,” which gives the designer a shot at working directly with an internationally recognized brand—bringing both credibility and commercial value to the table. And because the AFC understands the power of storytelling, the fund also includes a brand positioning campaign to help the designer build a unique identity that resonates across markets.

For the Arab fashion scene, this is a major move. It signals a serious investment in regional talent, not just to spotlight it, but to build it into something lasting. And for young designers dreaming beyond borders, it might just be the break they’ve been waiting for.

Applications are now open at www.arabfashioncouncil.com/fashionfund.

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Calling All Arab Designers! Applications Are Now Open For The $500,000 AFC Fashion Fund

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Calling All Arab Designers! Applications Are Now Open For The $500,000 AFC Fashion Fund

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