Imaan Hammam Celebrates 2024 Fashion Trust Arabia’s Winners in Style

On October 24, the fashion world focused on Morocco, where the sixth edition of Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA), an event celebrating talent across the MENA region, took place in Marrakech.

Hosted at the historic Al Badi Palace, this year’s FTA Awards presented trophies to designers in seven categories: Evening Wear, Ready-to-Wear, Jewelry, Accessories, The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent, Fashion Tech, and the Guest Country category featuring Spain. Each division showcased the diverse creativity shaping today’s fashion landscape. And as part of its ongoing support for regional fashion designers, Vogue Arabia curated a special editorial featuring the prize winners to showcase their talents on a global scale.

To bring the vision to life, we asked Moroccan-Egyptian supermodel Imaan Hammam to star on our November 2024 digital cover, lensed by none other than Moroccan photographer Mous Lamrabat. The result: a stunning spread that truly reflects the abundance of talent in the Arab world.

Caftan, socks, stylist’s own; top, skirt, shoes, Nadine Mos. Photo: Mous Lamrabat

Led by co-chairs HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Tania Fares, FTA 2024 attracted a distinguished guest list that included royalty like Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco, top models like Imaan Hammam, Halima Aden and Alessandra Ambrosio, along with influential figures such as Yasmine Sabri, Nadine Nassib Njeim, Balqees Fathi, and Carla Bruni, along with industry insiders including Caroline Scheufele, Natalia Vodianova, and Law Roach. 

Recipients in the Evening Wear, Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, and Jewelry disciplines received grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, with personalized business support. The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award recipient was given $25,000 to $50,000 and mentorship. Collections from the main awardees are showcased at Harrods, while the Ready-to-Wear honoree intern with Huntsman Savile Row to develop a capsule collection. All winners benefit from a one-year mentorship program focused on sustainability and ethical practices in fashion. This year’s recipients were celebrated for their creativity and contributions, shaping the industry’s future.

Evening Wear: Yasmin Mansour, Qatar

Dress, Yasmin Mansour; necklace, Soufiane Zarib. Photo: Mous Lamrabat

Yasmin Mansour, an eponymous brand founded in 2014 and based in Qatar, is changing luxury fashion with a fresh perspective. The brand combines high-quality materials with creative layering and unique designs to create distinctive clothing. Mansour is committed to ethical practices, ensuring that each item serves a purpose while inspiring its wearer.

Mansour often collaborates with other labels to share her vision and passion, leading to a dynamic approach to style. Each collection not only showcases creative designs but also reflects a commitment to ethical practices, making hers a notable name in the luxury fashion scene.

Ready-To-Wear: Nadine Mosallam, Egypt

Vest, dress, Acromatyx; shoes, Nadine Mos hat, stylist’s own. Photo: Mous Lamrabat

Launched in August 2020, Nadine Mosallam’s label focuses on creating well-crafted clothing that promotes body confidence. With bases in Cairo and London, her ready-to-wear collection draws inspiration from her Egyptian roots, weaving personal and playful narratives into each piece. The designs combine modern shapes with traditional techniques, ensuring they are apt for everyday wear. Mosallam aims to celebrate diverse body types by creating comfortable garments with bright colors and patterns, reflecting her cultural background.

By prioritizing quality, Mosallam’s brand stands out in a crowded market. Each item tells a story and encourages wearers to embrace their individuality. Ultimately, her work aims to create a lasting connection between the clothing and the people who wear it, fostering a sense of pride and confidence.

Accessories: Reem Hamed, Egypt

Wrap up carpet, Soufiane Zarib; caftan, belt, stylist’s own; shoes, Ramla. Photo: Mous Lamrabat

Ramla, founded by Reem Hamed, creates accessories that emphasize sustainability and cultural preservation. The brand supports women makers while celebrating traditional skills in the Egyptian community. Each collection brings forth the talents and stories of local designers, producing durable, thoughtfully crafted pieces.

Hamed’s commitment to ethical practices is evident in every design, merging functionality with style. Her approach to fashion reflects a strong connection to the community, transforming everyday accessories into expressions of culture and creativity.

The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent: Sylwia Nazzal, Palestine

Jacket, pants, Nazzal Studio; hat, photographer’s own. Photo: Mous Lamrabat

Nazzal Studio, Founded by Sylwia Nazzal during her university years, stands out by merging fashion with a focus on ethics and activism, highlighting Palestinian identity in its designs. The brand gained attention with its impactful collection, “What Should Have Been Home,” which explores themes of resistance and belonging. The studio prioritizes ethical practices by collaborating with refugee women and promoting community empowerment instead of mass production. By challenging traditional norms, the brand creates fashionable clothing and tells important stories that connect with audiences worldwide.

Nazzal Studio’s work reflects a growing trend of combining style with purpose, showing that clothing can carry significant meanings and promote understanding across cultures. Its focus on Palestinian identity contributes to broader conversations about social responsibility and cultural representation within the industry.

Fashion Tech Award: Batoul Al-Rashdan, Jordan

Dress, Yasmin Mansour; hat, stylist’s own. Photo: Mous Lamrabat

Studio B.O.R., founded by Batoul Alrashdan combines modern design with sustainable practices using materials made from food waste and employs techniques such as 3D printing. Each collection focuses on environmental responsibility while drawing inspiration from Jordan’s landscapes and cultural elements. Al-Rashdan’s work sets important examples in the industry, demonstrating how sustainability and creativity can work together.

The brand’s work has gained international recognition, with accolades like the Taipei Design Awards in the Industrial category and the WDO sustainability award. Studio B.O.R. has also showcased its collections at high-profile events, including the Met Gala. By pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion, Studio B.O.R. demonstrates how technology can enhance both the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of design.

Guest Country: Spain – Francisco Barroso & Javier García Acromatyx

Vest, dress, Acromatyx; hat, stylist’s own. Photo: Mous Lamrabat

Founded in 2021, Acromatyx represents the evolution of the Spanish brand 44Studio, which was launched a decade ago by creators Xavi García and Franx de Cristal. The label continues to develop its style by blending modern and artistic elements with a strong emphasis on design and authenticity. Acromatyx explores techniques in pattern-making and volume while prioritizing sustainable practices.

Collaboration with local makers and designers is a core focus, aiming to create pieces that resonate emotionally with those who appreciate inclusive fashion. Deeply connected to Spain’s cultural scene, the brand expands its influence through various creative projects. Its growth reflects a commitment to evolving design while celebrating values that embrace inclusivity.

Jewelry: Noura Abdulaziz, Sara Naif & Mashael Khalid Al Saud, Saudi Arabia

Founded in 2022, APOA (A Piece of Art) brings various cultural and artistic influences through luxury accessories. The brand combines Saudi roots with a modern, global feel. Each piece is handmade, turning jewelry into wearable art that is comfortable and visually striking.

Made in Italy and inspired by experiences in Barcelona and Riyadh, APOA’s creations encourage discussions about culture and identity while focusing on environmentally friendly production methods. By redefining how people experience jewelry, APOA emphasizes that accessories can be more than just decorative items; they can tell a story and reflect personal values. The brand aims to create pieces that resonate deeply with wearers, allowing them to express their individuality and cultural narratives.