The fifth annual edition of Fashion Trust Arabia, which was to be hosted in Qatar, may have been cancelled, but that hasn’t stopped it from celebrating talent in the region.
On December 12 and 13, this year’s 24 finalists (spread over six categories) presented their collections to the FTA jury, which included the likes of designers Zuhair Murad, Amina Muaddi, Peter Dundas, Erdem Moralıoğlu, Ana Khouri, Yoon Ahn and Giambattista Valli, along with the likes of Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing and Gaia Repossi, to name a few.
After a two-day online deliberation session held in the presence of co-chairs HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Tania Fares and a special panel of judges and advisory board members, the seven winners (with two tying in the Evening Wear category) of the FTA Prize 2023 have now officially been announced. Below, meet this year’s names to know.
Amir Al Kasm (Evening Wear)
Photo: Courtesy Fashion Trust Arabia
This year’s Evening Wear co-winner focuses his designs on contradictions, where dark meets light and strength meets vulnerability. The result is a series of creations (both formal and bridal) that are as unique as they are fashion-forward. Al Kasm’s evening wear looks use upcycled elements, instilling a feeling of empowerment and responsibility into each ensemble.
Cynthia Merhej (Evening Wear)
Photo: Courtesy Fashion Trust Arabia
Cynthia Merhej’s label Renaissance Renaissance gives occasion wear a new lens, blurring the lines between modern thought processes and historical craftsmanship. The third generation couturier grew up sketching, styling, and photographing in her mother’s atelier, and developed her skills later at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. Now based in Beirut, Merhej offers up edgy evening wear that supporting Lebanese craftsmanship.
Ahmed Amer (Ready-to-Wear)
Photo: Courtesy Fashion Trust Arabia
The Beirut-based designer and illustrator studied interior architecture at The…
