Fashion Trust Arabia Announces Its 2026 Finalists

From Lebanon and Palestine to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and beyond, Fashion Trust Arabia announces 21 finalists ahead of its 2026 awards ceremony in Doha.

Fashion Trust Arabia has unveiled the finalists for its 2026 edition, bringing together a new generation of designers from across the Middle East and North Africa, alongside emerging talent from this year's guest country, Mexico.

Selected by the FTA Advisory Board, 18 regional designers will compete across six categories, including Ready-to-Wear, Evening Wear, Accessories, Jewelry, Franca Sozzani Debut Talent and Fashion Tech. Three additional designers from Mexico will compete for the Guest Country Award, bringing the total number of finalists to 21.

Among the names to watch are Sara Mannei Boruc of THE MANNEI, representing Jordan in the Ready-to-Wear category, alongside Algeria's Rayana Heemskerk and Saudi designer Ahmed Hassan of Kml. In Evening Wear, Lebanese designers Cindy Abi Chala of CIN and Haidar Krayem of Oscar Kraye join Palestinian designer Dana Riad, while the Accessories category features Alia Zaki of L’alingi, Qatar's Maryam Al-Malki and Tunisia's Safa Boudokhane of BALGA DESIGN.

Jewelry is equally well represented, with Egypt's Varouj Vartan Kazandjian of Harry V, Kuwait's Layal AlSultan of ELURA and Lebanon's Joelle Kharrat competing for the award. Meanwhile, the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent category introduces Layla Al Tawaya, Youssef Zogheib and Zeina Issa, representing Palestine/Jordan, Lebanon and Syria respectively.

Reflecting the growing intersection between fashion and innovation, the Fashion Tech category brings together Egyptian duo Shaimaa and Fatma El-Alawy of Mesh--Mesh, Lebanon's Sirine Kobeissi of GIRLE and Tunisia's Emna Hussein.

Lebanon has a particularly strong presence in this year's selection, with designers represented across five of the six regional categories. More broadly, the shortlist reflects the expanding geography of Arab fashion, highlighting creative voices from across the region rather than concentrating solely on its established fashion capitals.

For 2026, Fashion Trust Arabia also turns its attention to Mexico, welcoming the country as its international guest. Supported by Vogue Mexico and Latin America, the collaboration introduces designers Patricio Campillo of Campillo, Neithan and Anga Ruiz of NEITHAN HERBERT, and Camila Banzo of Banzo, all competing for a dedicated seventh award.

Beyond the recognition, Fashion Trust Arabia continues to offer tangible support to emerging designers looking to develop their businesses internationally. Winners will receive financial grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, depending on the size of their businesses, while the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent winner will receive $50,000.

Winning designers in the Ready-to-Wear, Evening Wear, Accessories and Jewelry categories will also see their collections stocked for one season at Harrods and Ounass, providing an opportunity to reach international customers. All winners will additionally benefit from a year-long bespoke mentorship with Brand x Society and a two-day programme in London developed alongside The Bicester Collection and the British Fashion Council.

Founded in 2018 under the patronage of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, with HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani and Tania Fares as co-chairs, Fashion Trust Arabia has established itself as a significant platform for emerging designers in the region, offering not only visibility but also the financial and industry support necessary to turn creative talent into sustainable fashion businesses.

The 21 finalists will present their work to the FTA Jury in Doha on November 28, 2026, with the seven winners announced during the evening's awards ceremony.

As the region's fashion industry continues to evolve, this year's shortlist offers an exciting look at the designers shaping its next chapter.

More on FashionTrustArabia.com