Fashion Trust Arabia stands out among awards that highlight emerging fashion talent, bringing red-carpet excitement to the Middle East. For young designers, it’s a glittering launchpad, offering significant financial support and professional guidance. The seventh edition took place at Doha’s Qatar National Museum, a breathtaking architectural marvel by Jean Nouvel inspired by the desert rose, which stands out even among the city’s many stunning buildings.

The event was held under the patronage of FTA Honorary Chair Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and brought together international and regional celebrities, global media, and top industry leaders. Guests were welcomed by FTA Co-Chairs Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Tania Fares, who celebrated seven winning designers from the MENA region.

In her opening remarks, Sheikha Mayassa praised the resilience of the region’s designers. “The MENA region has faced one of its most difficult periods in decades,” she said. “Our countries, people, and creatives have been tested in ways that are hard to describe. Yet what inspires me is the strength of our community—how our designers continue to create, tell our stories, and remind the world of who we are.”

Bathed in a soft pink glow, the museum’s sweeping elliptical curves provided a stunning setting for the gala, co-hosted by Queen Latifah and Egyptian actor Aiman Kaissouni. The seven winners were chosen from 21 finalists by an FTA jury that included Christian Louboutin, Duran Lantink, Giambattista Valli, and Rabih Kayrouz, among others.

Moroccan-born Youssef Drissi won the Ready-to-Wear Award for his label Late for Work. His collection, rooted in cultural contrasts, offered a deconstructed take on everyday pieces, blending thrift-shop irreverence with a rebellious spirit. His recent show at Paris Fashion Week in October drew attention for its clever, cut-and-paste creativity.

Saudi-born, London-based Ziyad Al Buainain of Zyiad Buainain received the Eveningwear Award for his ingenious gowns that transformed with the pull of a zipper, the release of a bow, or the unfastening of a hook—elegant designs with a hidden twist.

The Accessories Award went to Morocco’s Leila Roukni of Talel, whose bags combined inventive shapes with rich traditional influences. Egyptian designer Farah Radwan won the Jewelry Award for FYR Jewelry, where she reinterprets heritage motifs into sleek, modern forms.

The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award was given to Bahraini designer Alaa Alaradi for Further Deeper Sofer Closer, her graduate collection from HEAD Geneva that explored the tension between fluidity and structure through airy, deconstructed silhouettes. Also from Bahrain, sisters Fatema and Dalal Alkhaja of Touchless won the Fashion Tech Award for their striking line of futuristic, colorful, and flexible 3D-printed bags.

This year’s Guest Country was India, with designer Kartik Kumra, who splits his time between New Delhi and New York, receiving top honors. His brand, Kartik Research, is already gaining recognition for its artisanal, human-centered approach to design.

The guest list sparkled almost as brightly as the awards. Adrien Brody and Emma Roberts made appearances, alongside a particularly lively Lindsay Lohan. Isabelle Adjani, mysterious in a wide-brimmed hat and flowing caftan, and Juliette Binoche, commanding attention in a sculptural gown, brought French elegance and cinematic flair. Gisele Bündchen and Natalia Vodianova looked every bit the world’s most glamorous best friends, cheering on the winners.Fashion designers turned out in force for performances by Saint Levant and Chaka Khan. Stefano Pilati, ever dapper and now shifting his focus to furniture, architecture, and interior design, commended the young designers’ passion and dedication. “That’s always wonderful to see,” he said. “It feels especially significant that this year’s selection includes so many women designers. What impresses me even more is their strong awareness of sustainability while still honoring tradition. They’re building bridges between heritage and the future in a way we never did—it wasn’t part of our story back then. We thought we were revolutionary just by adding a few inches to a skirt!”

After leaving Marni, Francesco Risso traveled extensively and is now working on a secret project. Reflecting on the FTA designers, he shared, “What struck me was their intense focus on craftsmanship, which you don’t often see in younger designers. I admired seeing someone invest fifty hours in her knitwear—that level of dedication is rare and truly appreciated. In these uncertain times, it was fulfilling to witness such commitment.”

Calvin Klein’s creative director Veronica Leoni found the competition her first opportunity to meet young talents from the Middle East. “I was deeply moved by how rooted they are in their culture and heritage,” she remarked. “What stood out was the strength of their regional identity. Even those with international experience always return to their origins, shaping their vision in a deeply personal way.”

Following his bold and somewhat controversial debut as Jean Paul Gaultier’s creative director, Duran Lantink took a break to attend this year’s event. “What I loved this season,” he noted, “was that many designers fully embraced creativity without being overly concerned with business. That’s exactly what fashion needs now: voices sharing their own perspectives and experimenting freely.” He added, “Each designer interpreted tradition uniquely, but what struck me was how seriously they took it. They’re not just revisiting heritage; they’re translating it for today, making it compelling.”

The evening featured two honorary awards: Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad received the Trailblazer Award from Tania Fares, and Miuccia Prada was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. “Tonight, I want to make this personal,” the Sheikha said. “From the day I met Miuccia Prada, she always made time for conversation. She is genuine, real, and has consistently supported women—filmmakers, artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, designers, and many more. Decades ago, she redefined elegance, beauty, confidence, and intellect in fashion. She taught us the power of embracing the ‘ugly,’ finding glamour in awkwardness and beauty in discord. To me, she remains the most intellectual and inspiring figure.”A woman was resting in the room.

Mrs. Prada, dressed in her usual understated Milanese style with a printed shift dress and her signature beaded triangle shawl draped over her shoulders, humbly dismissed the praise. “Thank you for your very kind words,” she said. “I’m delighted to receive this award, especially because it honors cultural exchanges and collaboration. In today’s world, that feels more crucial than ever.”

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about A Dazzling Evening in Doha Celebrates Fashion Trust Arabias Winners

General Beginner Questions

1 What is Fashion Trust Arabia
Fashion Trust Arabia is a nonprofit organization that supports and funds emerging fashion designers from the Middle East and North Africa region

2 What was A Dazzling Evening in Doha
It was the annual awards ceremony and gala event where FTA announced and celebrated its latest winners recognizing the most promising new talent in Arab fashion

3 When and where did the event take place
The event was held in Doha Qatar You would need to check the specific years event for the exact date and venue as it is an annual occurrence

4 Who attends this event
The guest list typically includes the nominated designers international fashion icons celebrities journalists industry leaders and supporters of the arts from the region and beyond

5 Why is this event important
Its a major platform that puts a global spotlight on Arab creativity providing finalists with mentorship funding and industry connections that can launch their careers

Details About the Winners Awards

6 Who were the winners this year
The winners change every year For the most current list you should visit the official Fashion Trust Arabia website or check recent fashion news articles

7 What categories are awarded
FTA typically awards prizes in categories like ReadytoWear Eveningwear Accessories Jewelry and the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award

8 What do the winners receive
Winners receive a financial grant mentorship from industry experts and opportunities for retail partnerships and global exposure

9 How are the winners selected
A committee of renowned fashion industry professionals including designers editors and retailers reviews the applications and selects the winners based on creativity originality and business potential

10 Can you name a past winner who has become successful
Yes previous winners like Moroccan designer Artsi Ifrach of the label Art and Lebanese designer Roni Helou have gained significant international recognition following their FTA wins

For Those Interested in Participating or Attending

11 How can a designer apply for the FTA prizes
Designers can apply through the official