Tagwalk is also available on Google Play and the App Store.

FASHION TRUST ARABIA ANNOUNCES FIRST VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY, NEW ADVISORY BOARD AND COLOMBIA PARTNERSHIP FOR 2021 EDITION

FASHION TRUST ARABIA ANNOUNCES FIRST VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY, NEW ADVISORY BOARD AND COLOMBIA PARTNERSHIP FOR 2021 EDITION illustration 1
FASHION TRUST ARABIA ANNOUNCES FIRST VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY, NEW ADVISORY BOARD AND COLOMBIA PARTNERSHIP FOR 2021 EDITION illustration 2

Events - 2/1/21

The non-profit organization Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) has announced it will be moving forward with its third edition of the annual FTA Awards. The 2021 FTA Awards initiative, including the judging, awards ceremony and finalists showcase, supported by specific local activations in late March 2021.
In addition to a new Advisory Board and Judging Panel, the prize has expanded further a guest partnership with the country of Colombia for 2021.

VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
Current world events have highlighted the uncertain future that lies ahead for young creatives without the right ecosystems and support networks. There has also been an increased call for all industries to recognize the contributions of minorities. These have pushed Fashion Trust Arabia even further into its commitment to emerging talent, leading the organization to uphold its annual FTA Awards ceremony, which recognizes the talent of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region fashion designers across various womenswear categories.
In light of current uncertainty and restrictions around travel, FTA has decided to host a virtual 2021 ceremony alongside special local events. Traditionally, the Awards ceremony and its surrounding events were hosted annually in March in the presence of Advisory Board members, Judges and high-profile guests from across creative industries. For the next 2021 edition, a special virtual reality FTA experience has been developed that will sit alongside the Doha ceremony. A series of local intimate events and experiences will also take place prior to the final winners’ announcement, with the participation of global FTA judges.
We are looking forward to presenting an inspiring, state-of-the-art third edition of the Fashion Trust Arabia prize in 2021. Even though we are living in uncertain times, we are more committed than ever to supporting talent from the MENA region. We are proud to announce a special, virtual Fashion Trust Arabia experience for 2021 in addition to our amazing in-person event. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, FTA Co-Chair

FTA 2021 ADVISORY BOARD
The Advisory Board is responsible for selecting the 24 FTA designer finalists from a wide range of applications spanning the entire MENA region. Once selected by the Advisory Board, the 24 finalists will present their work to the FTA Jury for a chance to win at the FTA 2021 Awards.
The 2021 Advisory Board continues the legacy of bringing together leading industry talent and tastemakers, including Alastair McKimm, Gabriela Hearst, Alexander Fury, Patti Wilson, Hamish Bowles, Ib Kamara, Aleksandra Woroniecka, Sarah Andelman, Jo Ellison, Jefferson Hack, Mohieb Dahabieh, Alexia Niedzielski, Sara Maino, Law Roach, Carmen Busquets, Fabio Piras, Natalie Kingham, Nina Garcia, Johanna Ortiz, Saif Mahdhi, Sofia Guellaty, Roger Moukarzel, Mohieb Dahabieh and Afef Jnifen.
“We are so lucky to partner and work with incredible experts and opinion leaders from the industry every season. Their support of FTA and regional talents continues to inspire emerging fashion designers in the MENA region,” Tania Fares, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Fashion Trust Arabia.

GUEST COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP – COLOMBIAN EMERGING DESIGNERS
FTA has invited Colombia as a guest country to take part in the upcoming 2021 edition of the FTA Awards, through a separate award – the Unique Edition Award. An alliance between FTA Inexmoda and ProColombia, the Unique Edition Award will recognize the talent of a Colombian fashion designer specialized in Women’s Ready-to-Wear. The FTA 2021 Advisory Board will be responsible for creating the shortlist of Colombian designers, who will undergo the same judging process with the FTA Jury as the other FTA finalists.
The importance of helping young creatives in emerging markets build a global network of contacts and support system lies at the core of this collaboration. The partnership with Colombia represents an opportunity for young designers from the MENA region and Colombia to be exposed to each other’s vastly different markets and exchange knowledge. Both regions share a rich culture of craftsmanship and artisanal work, which present them with endless opportunities for further exploration.
“ It has been very valuable the interest shown by Fashion Trust Arabia in exploring and enhancing the talent of our designers, the quality of their products and the innovation in their techniques. Thanks to this, it will be possible to continue strengthening cultural and creative ties between our countries.” Maria Juliana Ruiz Sandoval, First Lady of Colombia
FTA 2021 applications are now open until 30th November 2020. Designer applicants, who must have MENA heritage or part of their brand business activities based in the region, can apply for one of the following five womenswear categories: Eveningwear, Ready-to-Wear, Accessories (Shoes/Bags), Jewelry (Fine and Fashion Jewelry) and Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award.
The FTA Colombia Unique Edition Award requires applicants to be based in Colombia. Submissions are through the official Fashion Trust Arabia website, where applicants can view more information on the selection criteria:
www.fashiontrustarabia.com

Pictures: Renaissance (Lebanon), Malik Thomas Jalil Kydd (Iraq)

Designer: Renaissance

SHARE