Olivier Rousteing, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, and More Toast the Fashion Trust Arabia Winners in Marrakech

The jewelry design award went to Saudi designers Noura Abdulaziz Al Said, Sara Naif Al Said, and Mashael Khalid Al Saud, founders of the brand APOA (A Piece of Art), featuring elegant, sculptural pieces highlighting Saudi traditions and savoir faire; the fashion tech award, introduced this year to emphasize the focus on sustainability and ethical practices, was taken home by Batoul al-Rashdan. Merging cutting edge technologies with local crafts, the Jordanian designer’s pieces have an inventive, mad-scientist-beautiful quality. Spain was this year’s guest country; the unisex collection of Spanish designer duo Francisco Barroso and Javier Garcia appealed to the jury for its experimental take on technology and tailoring.

While highly individual in their vision and approach, all the designers emphasized the profound connection to the traditions of their homelands. Curated flamboyance, a taste for elaborate decoration, and a sense of occasion were common threads running throughout many of the presentations; together, they conveyed determination and a proud sense of identity. As fashion critic Alex Fury, a member of FTA’s Advisory Board, remarked, “the focus on individuality was particularly strong, with designers prioritizing craftsmanship unique to their countries, championing local artisans and regional techniques to preserve and elevate their work. The political climate had designers embracing their heritage and the significance of their roots—what it means to be from Qatar, Morocco, or Palestine.”

Designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin shared a similar perspective: “As jurors, we sought to celebrate their individuality, their heritage, where they come from, why they do what they do, and the message they want to share—that of pride in their roots, being present, visible, and vocal, and being aware of today’s political landscape. Fashion has a duty to support unique voices, especially those operating under challenging conditions.” Duran Lantink praised the distinct creativity of many of the young talents: “The key to becoming a designer is to stay excited about your vision, not merely following commercial trends, but bringing something fresh and daring to the table,” he remarked.

Hosted by Angela Bassett and the Egyptian actor Ahmad Helmy, the soirée didn’t lack for glamour. Isabelle Huppert, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Lucien Laviscount, Natalia Vodianova, Paloma Elsesser, and Precious Lee, among many others, enjoyed the enchanting scene at the historic El Badi Palace. In the center of the medina, the venue glowed with candlelight, magnifying the beauty of the balmy Marrakech night.

Sara Maino and Duran Lantink.

Photo: Saskia Lawaks/ Courtesy of Fashion Trust Arabia

Precious Lee and Ben Gorham (middle and right).

Photo: Saskia Lawaks/ Courtesy of Fashion Trust Arabia

Evan Ross and Taraji P. Henson.

Photo: Saskia Lawaks/ Courtesy of Fashion Trust Arabia

Aya Nakamura.

Photo: Saskia Lawaks/ Courtesy of Fashion Trust Arabia