Fashion Trust Arabia has unveiled the 21 designers shortlisted for its 2026 awards, celebrating emerging creative talent from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), alongside a special selection of Mexican designers.
The finalists were selected by the FTA 2026 Advisory Board from applications submitted by emerging designers across the region. The shortlisted creatives will present their work to the FTA Jury in Doha on the 28th of November, with seven winners to be announced at the awards ceremony that evening.
The six core award categories comprise Ready-to-Wear, Evening Wear, Accessories, Jewelry, Franca Sozzani Debut Talent and Fashion Tech. Among the Ready-to-Wear finalists are Rayana Heemskerk of Algeria, Jordanian designer Sara Mannei Boruc of THE MANNEI, and Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Hassan of Kml. The Evening Wear category features Lebanon’s Cindy Abi Chala of CIN, Haidar Krayem of Oscar Kraye, and Palestinian designer Dana Riad.
In Accessories, the finalists are Lebanon’s Alia Zaki of L’alingi, Qatar’s Maryam Al-Malki and Tunisia’s Safa Boudokhane of BALGA DESIGN. The Jewelry shortlist comprises Egypt’s Varouj Vartan Kazandjian of Harry V, Kuwait’s Layal AlSultan of ELURA, and Lebanon’s Joelle Kharrat.
The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent category recognises emerging designers Layla Al Tawaya, representing Palestine and Jordan, Lebanon’s Youssef Zogheib, and Syria’s Zeina Issa. Meanwhile, the Fashion Tech finalists are Egyptian duo Shaimaa and Fatma El-Alawy of Mesh–Mesh, Lebanon’s Sirine Kobeissi of GIRLE, and Tunisia’s Emna Hussein.
Mexico has been selected as FTA’s Guest Country for 2026, introducing a seventh award category. Supported by Vogue Mexico and Latin America, the partnership aims to connect emerging creatives across different markets and strengthen their international networks. The three Mexican finalists are Patricio Campillo of Campillo, Neithan and Anga Ruiz of NEITHAN HERBERT, and Camila Banzo of Banzo.
The awards offer substantial financial support, with winners receiving grants of between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on business size. The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent winner will receive $50,000. Winners in Ready-to-Wear, Evening Wear, Accessories and Jewelry will also see their collections stocked by retail partners Harrods and Ounass for one season.
Further support includes a year-long tailored mentorship with Brand x Society, alongside a two-day programme in London delivered in partnership with The Bicester Collection, Brand x Society and the British Fashion Council.
Founded in 2018 under the patronage of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, FTA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to funding, mentoring and raising the international profile of emerging fashion talent across the MENA region.
