Calling all the creatives and designers in the region: Fashion Trust Arabia 2024 is almost here, and it will take place in Marrakech, Morocco at the end of October.
Photo: Instagram.com/fashiontrustarabia
It’s a new year, which means a new edition of the coveted Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) is fast approaching. Since its inaugural launch in 2018, the successor to the Fashion Trust UK, FTA has spotlighted the best talents and creatives the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region has to offer for years now. Under the reign of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser as honorary chair, with co-chairs HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and Tania Fares, the platform is dedicated to supporting and mentoring upcoming designers by giving them a global platform.
This year, for its sixth edition, the FTA has announced its host city to be the spirited Marrakech, in line with the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture initiative. The partnership was announced to collaboratively celebrate the strong relationship between the two nations, their rich cultures, and their steadfast vision to support regional talents.
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To announce the location of its latest edition, the FTA released a video today featuring Moroccan talents from
diverse creative backgrounds, further drawing attention to the country’s artistry and talent. Along with this, the FTA will spotlight Morocco’s many treasures by inviting guests from around the world to explore and celebrate Moroccan heritage in the hopes of spearheading sustainable cultural partnerships between Qatar and other countries. The year will be marked by major art exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events in each of the two countries via a whopping 80 events in total.
The format of the finalists’ showcase, judges’ deliberation, and awards ceremony will remain consistent with previous editions. Each year, six designers are selected across six different categories for the FTA, including ready-to-wear, evening wear, accessories, jewelry, debut talent (2022, 2023, 2024 graduate), and guest country, along with a new category launched this edition, coined ‘The Fashion Tech Award 2024’.
The Fashion Trust Arabia 2024 award encompasses differing prizes for each category, including a financial grant of around $100,000 to $200,000, decided accordingly depending on the business development plan and yearly turnover. The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Category, where the winner will receive a grant of $25,000 to $50,000, along with mentorship from several designers and partners to assist them in starting their business. Along with several internships and mentorship opportunities in companies including Huntsman Savile Row, MATCHES, The Bicester Collection, and PR consultancy by Maison Pyramide.
The panel of jury for the 2024 edition is yet to be disclosed, but one can expect a committee of trailblazers from the industry. Previous editions have seen renowned names on the panel including Giambattista Valli, Samuel Ross, Olivier Rousteing, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Imran Amed, and Gaia Repossi.
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Applications for the sixth edition of the FTA are now open apply here.
