This year fashion industry royalty gathered in Doha, Qatar for The Annual Fashion Trust Arabia. The trust was organised to honour and recognise emerging designers across the MENA region. The competition awarded at the extravagant evening focused and emphasised on the sustainable practices and methods used in fashion in respect of local traditions and support of women’s artisanal communities.
Alongside Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, honorary chair of FTA, founder Tania Fares, and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums and co-chair of FTA; those who attended included the likes of Naomi Campbell, Bella Hadid and Jodie Turner – Smith. It was these women who stole the show with their evening-wear looks and emotional speeches made at the event.
“There is so much talent from the people of MENA, the only problem is, not enough opportunity.” “Fashion Trust Arabia has become so much more: a platform of opportunity through which every talented Arab or African designer can grow and receive international recognition.” – Bella Hadid Via Instagram speaking on the FTA.
Closing off the panel talks and exhibitions renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell put on an elegant display for the launch of her new initiative ‘EMERGE’. The initiative focuses on uniting the fashion and creative industries. The Haute couture show opened with Palestinian, American model Bella Hadid piercing the runway in a stunning long jet black dress look with bleached eyebrows and a beaded chain around her neck. Naomi Campbell wore two looks, a sleek sleeved ,floor-touching black dress followed by an ombre, turquoise, blue feathered look, both dramatic and rememberable.
Alongside other models walked the runway wearing clothes from award-winning fashion designers in or from Africa and the Middle East. Over 50 Couture houses and more than 20 emerging designers of African descent – from Africa, the Middle East and Europe were featured and celebrated.
The FTA will make another impactful return in 2023 where more emerging Arab designers will take home accolades for their work in the MENA fashion space.
