Qasimi has revealed the winners of its inaugural incubator program Qasimi Rising. The winners were announced during a grand gala dinner held at the Sharjah Art Foundation – Bait Obaid Al Shamsi o 14th March 2023.
The chosen winners; Salim Azzam and Omer Asim, both have their own namesake brands and have been selected as the two emerging designers who will receive comprehensive support from Qasimi and its partners, across all business verticals for the next three years. Launched last year, Qasimi Rising is a key step for Qasimi in their efforts and dedication to supporting up-and-coming talents and giving them a platform to progress.
“It is with great pride and pleasure to announce the winners of our first Qasimi Rising Talent Incubation program, Salim Azzam and Omer Asim, who stood out among a talented pool of emerging designers from around the world. This program reflects our commitment to championing creativity in fashion and supporting the next generation of design talent. We look forward to providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to pursue their vision and establish themselves as leading voices in the industry.” – Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Creative Director, Qasimi
The Qasimi Rising Talent Incubator program, which was launched in December, by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi supports the 2 winning designers by giving them access to a co-working studio space and support with production, product development, merchandising, marketing, as well as all business functions from a network of industry leaders, placing them firmly within the Qasimi family while they develop their unique voices.
Qasimi has also relaunched its e-commerce platform to include these incubated brands, creating a digital space for them to build their brand identity and sell products.
As a curator, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi utilized her expertise in the art world to identify the most promising new fashion talents from around the world. The successful candidates were chosen by a distinguished panel of experts based in the UAE.
The mentorship and support will be tailored to each of the namesake brand’s needs, goals, and location, rather than a rigid criteria or fixed business plans. After three years of funding and practical support, designers will receive mentorship for an additional seven years, demonstrating Qasimi’s commitment to their continued success.
The next Qasimi Rising Incubator will open for submissions in the summer of 2025.
