Issue 7
Qataris Abroad
FASHION TRUST
ARABIA
Arab fashion’s
bright future
With the launch of Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) last year,
an initiative dedicated to finding and nurturing young
talented designers, Doha is establishing itself as one of
the world’s most exciting new fashion capitals.
F
ounded by Tania Fares, under the auspices of show the world what great talent we have in the
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Her Arab world. We’re creating a support system that
Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, otherwise does not exist in our part of the region.
the initiative is the only one of its kind in the Arab We’re looking forward to seeing this community
world. grow on a global scale.”
Every year, finalists will present their collections Fares has personal experience of bridging this world.
to some of the most recognisable faces in the She says: “I was born in Lebanon to a Jordanian
fashion industry. At the last awards ceremony, mother and Lebanese father, but I grew up mostly
the judging panel included the likes of Diane von between Beirut and Paris.” Her passion was ignited
Furstenberg, Victoria Beckham, Alexander Wang, and when she began as an intern in Paris for the house of
Erdem Moralioglu. The project extends far beyond an Pierre Cardin.
annual show, however.
Fares achieved huge success early in her career.
Fares explains: “FTA is a network designed to support She says: “Before founding the Fashion Trust, I co-
MENA designers regionally, serving as a bridge to the launched the brand Lulu and Co with Lulu Kennedy.
international community.” That really opened me up to the challenges that
“Beyond financial support and mentorship, we want
to give an opportunity for young Arab designers to
young designers face when breaking into the
industry.”
Tania Fares
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