If Arabs Got Talent ever came up a fashion-centered iteration of itself, it would definitely look something like Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA)—swap Simon Cowell for Amina Muaddi of course. Founded in 2018, the prestigious incubator is set to host its fifth edition in Doha, Qatar, in October. Widely perceived as one of the best institutions to champion and assist aspiring creatives in their journey through the industry by helping them develop their craft while pushing their skillset to its limits, the regional competition has grown into becoming a yearly rendezvous for the next it designer.
In the past, FTA has rewarded the likes of Jordanian-Palestinian designer Zeid Hijazi, Lebanese entrepreneur Karen Wazen, and Sydney-based Saudi couturier Youssef Akbar, who are all previous recipients of the annual prize, with financial support and mentorships by some of the biggest names in fashion.
With recipients now considered to be some of the faces to represent the next generation of fashion designers from the region, those who feel like trying their luck at joining this illustrious cohort of brilliant minds will be happy to learn that FTA is officially accepting applications for 2023, looking to scout the edge-cutting trailblazers that are making noise right now.
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The talent cast is currently open in five categories, namely Ready-to-Wear, Eveningwear, Accessories, Jewelry, and Debut Talent, an award seeking to spotlight students or recent graduates of fashion design.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser as honorary chair and co-chairs HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani and Tania Fares, the annual event will seek to award all winners with various cash bounties, mentorship programs, and sponsorship deals.
Winners of the Evening Wear, Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, and Jewelry categories will receive a sum between $100,000 and $200,000 while the Debut Talent winner will receive $25,000, as well as a tailored program to help them launch their business.
With finalists expected to be revealed in June, if you’re a designer hailing from the Middle East and North Africa, this might your time to level up and maybe be one of them.
Those who are interested in applying can head to FTA’s official website to learn more.
