Fashion
Fashion Trust Arabia has revealed its 21 emerging regional designer finalists for 2026. The annual awards will take place in Doha on 28 November, where each finalist will present their collection to an international jury of leading fashion figures. Seven winners will be announced at an evening ceremony.
The platform has become an important springboard for designers looking to grow beyond the region. This year’s finalists were chosen by an advisory board of respected industry names, including celebrity stylists Wayman and Micah, 16Arlington founder Marco Capaldo, Ann Demeulemeester creative director Stefano Gallici, and fashion critic Oscar Chabbi. Saudi designer Ahmed Hassan, co-founder of KML, is among the notable names on the shortlist.
The awards cover ready-to-wear, eveningwear, accessories and jewellery, alongside the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award and the Fashion Tech Award. Together, these categories showcase the range of voices shaping the region’s fashion scene, from designers growing established businesses to graduates about to launch their own labels.
In the established categories, applicants must hold MENA nationality, have operated for two to 10 years, and maintain a base, office or production facility in the region. The debut category is aimed at emerging designers who have studied fashion and are starting to build their brand. The Fashion Tech Award honours designers who incorporate technology into design and production, with an emphasis on innovation that supports sustainability, comfort, wellness and performance.
By combining financial support, industry connections and mentorship, Fashion Trust Arabia aims to link creative ambition with commercial opportunity. Its broader mission is to help designers shape distinctive identities, strengthen their businesses and contribute to the future of fashion in the region and internationally.
READY-TO-WEAR
- Ahmed Hassan, KML (Saudi Arabia)
- Rayana Heemskerk (Algeria)
- Sara Mannei Boruc, THE MANNEI (Jordan)
EVENINGWEAR
- Cindy Abi Chala, CIN (Lebanon)
- Haidar Krayem, Oscar Kraye (Lebanon)
- Dana Riad (Palestine)
ACCESSORIES
- Alia Zaki, L’ALINGI (Lebanon)
- Maryam Al-Malki, MARYAM ALMALKI (Qatar)
- Safa Boudokhane, BALGA DESIGN (Tunisia)
JEWELRY
- Joelle Kharrat (Lebanon)
- Layal Alsultan, ELURA (Kuwait)
- Varouj Vartan Kazandjian, HARRY V (Egypt)
DEBUT TALENT
- Layla Al Tawaya
- Zeina Issa
- Youssef Zogheib
FASHION TECH
- Emna Hussein (Tunisia)
- Shaimaa & Fatma El-Alawy , Mesh–Mesh (Egypt)
- Sirine Kobeissi, GIRLE (Lebanon)
GUEST COUNTRY MEXICO
- Camila Banzo, Banzo
- Neithan & Anga Ruiz, NEITHAN HERBERT
- Patricio Campillo, CAMPILLO
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Images: Supplied & Instagram: @fashiontrustarabia
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