On Wednesday night, a throng of international designers, regional greats, and fashion insiders descended upon the Five Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai to fete some of the Arab world’s most promising talents at the intimate 2017 DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize gala dinner. Hosted by Vogue Arabia editor-in-chief, Manuel Arnaut, VIP guests, including judges DDFC CEO Jazia Aldanhani, Reem Acra, Condé Nast International’s Karina Dobrotvorskaya, Aquazzura creative director Edgardo Osorio, and Vogue Arabia publisher and CEO, Shashi Menon, enjoyed a glamorous evening.
Following the welcome reception, more than 150 guests made their way to the candlelit tables, framed by the finalists’ collections on display, and settled in for a dinner of burrata, stuffed braised beef cheek served with polenta cake, vegetable fricassee, and cherry tomato, and Rocher dark chocolate mousse with a hazelnut caramel center for dessert. The evening’s presenter, Portuguese actor and model Ana Sofia Martins, welcomed guests and introduced a live performance by Iranian singer Layla Kardan.
After Menon thanked the DDFC, Fashion Forward, and the judges, the winners were announced. Acra named Nadine Ghosn as high jewelry winner, Osorio presented Joanna Laura Constantine with the accessories prize, and Arnaut announced Faissal El-Malak as winner of the ready-to-wear category. “It is an incredibly emotional and memorable experience,” said Ghosn, fighting back tears. “Definitely a pivotal moment in my career.” Echoing her sentiment, El-Malak shared, “It’s such an honor to win the Vogue Arabia Fashion Prize, and I hope this will further nurture talent in the region.”
The moment the 2017 DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize winners announced
