On October 24, the fashion world turned its attention to Morocco, as the sixth edition of Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA), an event celebrating talent from the MENA region, was held in Marrakech.
This year’s FTA Awards, held at the historic Al Badi Palace, presented trophies to designers in seven categories: eveningwear, ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories, debut talent Franca Sozzani, fashion tech and guest country featuring Spain. Awarded. Each category showcased the diverse creativity that shapes today’s fashion world. As part of its continued support for fashion designers in the region, Vogue Arabia also curated a special editorial featuring the winners and showcasing their talent on a global scale.
To bring this vision to life, we commissioned Moroccan-Egyptian supermodel Imaan Hammam to star in our November 2024 digital cover, lensed by none other than Moroccan photographer Mousse Ramrabat. I was in charge of The result is an incredible spread that truly reflects the richness of talent in the Arab world.
Led by co-chairs Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Tania Fares, FTA 2024 includes royal families such as Morocco’s Princess Lalla Hasna, Imaan Hammam, Halima – Top models such as Aden and Alessandra Ambrosio, and influential figures such as Yasmin Sabri, Nadine Nassib Enjeim, Barkis Fatih and Carla Bruni, as well as Caroline Scheufele, Natalia Vodianova and Law.・Includes industry stakeholders such as Roach.
Winners in the eveningwear, ready-to-wear, accessories and jewelry categories received grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, along with individualized business support. Winners of the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award received $25,000 to $50,000 and mentorship. The major winners’ collections will be showcased at Harrods, and ready-to-wear winners will develop their capsule collections as interns at Huntsman Savile Row. All winners will benefit from a one-year mentorship program focused on sustainability and ethical practices in fashion. This year’s winners were celebrated for their creativity and contributions in shaping the future of the industry.
Eveningwear: Yasmin Mansour, Qatar
Founded in 2014, Qatar-based namesake brand Yasmin Mansour is transforming luxury fashion with a new perspective. The brand combines high-quality materials with creative layering and unique designs to create distinctive clothing. Mansour is committed to ethical practices, ensuring each item serves a purpose while inspiring the wearer.
Mansour collaborates with other labels to share vision and passion, leading to a dynamic approach to style. Each collection not only showcases creative designs, but also reflects a commitment to ethical practices, making her name noteworthy in the luxury fashion scene.
Ready-to-Wear: Nadine Mossallam, Egypt
Launched in August 2020, Nadine Mosallam’s label focuses on creating carefully crafted clothing that helps you feel confident in your body. Based in Cairo and London, her ready-to-wear collections draw inspiration from her Egyptian roots, weaving a personal and playful narrative into each piece. The design combines modern shapes with traditional techniques, making it suitable for everyday wear. Mosallam aims to celebrate diverse body types by creating comfortable clothing in bright colors and patterns that reflect her cultural background.
By prioritizing quality, Mosallam’s brand stands out in a crowded market. Each piece tells a story and inspires the wearer to embrace their individuality. Ultimately, her work aims to create a lasting connection between clothing and the people who wear it, fostering pride and confidence.
Accessories: Reem Hamed, Egypt
Founded by Reem Hamed, Ramla creates accessories with a focus on sustainability and cultural preservation. The brand supports female makers while celebrating the traditional skills of the Egyptian community. Each collection draws on the talent and stories of local designers to create durable, thoughtfully crafted pieces.
Hamed’s commitment to ethical practices is evident in every design that marries functionality and style. Her approach to fashion reflects a strong connection to her community, transforming everyday accessories into expressions of culture and creativity.
Franca Sozzani’s debut talent: Sylwia Nazar, Palestine
Founded by Sylwia Nazar during her university days, Nazar Studio stands out by fusing fashion with a focus on ethics and activism, and highlighting Palestinian identity in its designs. The brand attracted attention with its impactful collection “What Should Have Been Home,” which explores themes of resistance and belonging. The studio prioritizes ethical practices by working with refugee women and promoting community empowerment rather than mass production. By challenging traditional norms, the brand creates fashionable clothing and tells important stories that connect with audiences around the world.
Nazzal Studio’s work reflects the growing trend of combining style and purpose, demonstrating that clothing can carry significant meaning and foster understanding across cultures. Our focus on Palestinian identity contributes to broader conversations about social responsibility and cultural expression within the industry.
Fashion Tech Award: Batur Al Rashdan, Jordan
Founded by Batur Alrashdan, Studio BOR uses materials made from food waste, employs technologies such as 3D printing, and combines modern design with sustainable practices. Each collection focuses on environmental responsibility, drawing inspiration from Jordan’s landscape and cultural elements. Al Rushdan’s work sets an important example in the industry and shows how sustainability and creativity can work together.
The brand’s work has received international recognition, winning awards such as the Industrial Category of the Taipei Design Award and the WDO Sustainability Award. Studio BOR also showcases its collections at high-profile events such as the Met Gala. By pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion, Studio BOR shows how technology can enhance both the aesthetic and ethical aspects of design.
Guest country: Spain – Francisco Barroso & Javier Garcia Achromatics
Founded in 2021, Acromatyx represents the evolution of 44Studio, the Spanish brand launched 10 years ago by creators Xavi García and Franx de Cristal. The label continues to develop its style by fusing modern and artistic elements with an emphasis on design and authenticity. Achromatics explores pattern-making and volume techniques while prioritizing sustainable practices.
Our main focus is on collaboration with local makers and designers, aiming to create pieces that resonate emotionally with those who prefer inclusive fashion. With deep ties to the Spanish cultural scene, the brand expands its influence through various creative projects. Its growth reflects an evolving approach to design while celebrating values that embrace inclusivity.
Jewelry: Noura Abdulaziz, Sara Naif, Mashael Khalid Al Saud, Saudi Arabia
Founded in 2022, APOA (A Piece of Art) brings diverse cultural and artistic influences through luxury accessories. The brand combines Saudi roots with a modern, global feel. Each piece is handcrafted, transforming jewelry into comfortable, visually striking, and wearable art.
Made in Italy and inspired by experiences in Barcelona and Riyadh, APOA’s works promote discussions about culture and identity while highlighting environmentally friendly production methods. By redefining the way people experience jewelry, APOA emphasizes that accessories can be more than just decorations. It can tell a story and reflect personal values. The brand aims to create pieces that deeply resonate with the wearer and express their individuality and cultural story.