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Hold onto your hats, fashionistas, because Doha is about to serve another major dose of style! The wait is finally over, and Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) has just unveiled the eighteen unbelievably talented finalists who will battle it out for fashion glory in 2025. This is the non-profit’s biggest mission yet: to catapult the next generation of design geniuses straight onto the global stage.

Talk about a power-packed list! After months of serious deliberation, the FTA Advisory Board handpicked these creatives from across the Middle East and North Africa. But wait, there’s a fabulous twist! For the very first time, FTA is shining its spotlight on India as the Guest Country, welcoming three incredible Indian designers to the mix. This is a cultural fashion moment you do NOT want to miss.

The grand finale? A glittering event in Doha on November 22, 2025, where these finalists will present their work to a jury of fashion royalty. The winners will be crowned that very night!

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Meet The 2025 Finalists: Your New Favorite Designers

This list is a vibrant celebration of Arab creativity. Let’s meet the contenders!

• Ready-to-Wear: Shahd AlShehail (ABADIA, Saudi Arabia), Youssef Drissi (LATE FOR WORK, Morocco), Iman Coccellato (COCCELLATO, Tunis)
• Evening Wear: Ziyad Albuainain (ZIYAD BUAINAIN, Saudi Arabia), Dana Almulla (DANA ALMULLA, Qatar), Sharifa Alsharif Alhashemi (ONORI, UAE)
• Accessories: Leila Roukni (TALEL, Morocco), Duha Bukadi (DUHA, Tunis), Sharifa Alsulaiti & Altaf Almudhayan (THUNA, Kuwait)
• Jewelry: Patrick Boghossian (Lebanon), Farah Radwan (FYR JEWELRY, Egypt), Clara Chehab (Lebanon)
• Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award: Alaa Alaradi (Bahrain), Ayham Hassan (Palestine), Fatma Elshabbi (Libya)
• Fashion Tech: Assaad Awad (Lebanon), Zahia Albakri (Jordan), Fatema & Dalal Alkhaja (TOUCHLESS, Bahrain)

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A Historic First: India Joins the FTA Family!

Breaking down borders! In a gorgeous new partnership with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, FTA is welcoming three stellar talents from India:

• Kartik Kumra (Kartik Research)
• Ankur Verma (TIL)
• Akhil Nagpal (AKHL)

This collaboration is all about building global bridges and celebrating shared design visions. How amazing is that?

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So, What Do the Winners Actually GET?

Okay, beyond the insane bragging rights? The prizes are absolutely life-changing.

We’re talking grants of up to $200,000 to fuel their brands! But the real prize is the unparalleled exposure and mentorship.

• Retail Royalty: Winners in key categories will have their collections sold at HARRODS and OUNASS for a whole season. Yes, you read that right!
• A-List Mentorship: They score a year-long mentorship with The Bicester Collection and an intensive program in London with the British Fashion Council.
• Dream Internship: The Ready-to-Wear winner lands an exclusive internship with legendary tailor Huntsman in London to create a capsule collection.

This is more than an award; it’s a full-blown launchpad for a legendary fashion career. Mark your calendars for November 2025; this is going to be epic.

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