FASHION TRUST ARABIA & MATCHES HOST A DINNER

London, June 25th, 2023: On Sunday evening, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Tania Fares and MATCHES hosted an exclusive dinner at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair in celebration of Fashion Trust Arabia’s 2022 prize winners and the launch of their collections: Artsi Ifrach (Evening Wear), Siham Albinali & Sarah Albinali (Ready-to-Wear), Eilaf Osman (Accessories), Fatma Mostfa (Jewellery), Kazna Asker (Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award), and Burc Akyol (Guest Country Award: Turkey). Guests gathered around an elegant table setting designed by Fai Khadra and enjoyed a culinary experience by food artist Imogen Kwok.

Attendees included leading fashion designers Erdem Moralıoğlu, Roksanda Ilinčić, Emilia Wickstead, Molly Goddard, and Marco Capaldo, as well as renowned guests and celebrities from the fashion, beauty, art, and culture industries, including Elizabeth Hurley; Imaan Hammam; Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath; Anok Yai; James McAvoy; Lisa Liberati; Daphne Guinness; Ikram Abdi Omar; Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer; and Caroline Daur who came together in celebration of the incredible fashion talent from the MENA region.

Speaking at the event, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, co-chair of Fashion Trust Arabia said, “The MENA region is bursting with fashion-industry talent, and I am so proud that these outstanding designers are receiving the platform and recognition they deserve with the launch of their collections on MATCHES. And thanks to the FTA mentorship programme, and the kind support of Bicester Village and the British Fashion Council, our winners will also receive invaluable mentorship— supporting them to take their talent to the next level and contribute to the creative economy of our region.”

Thrilled to be in their 4th year of working with Fashion Trust Arabia as the global retail partner, MATCHES annually mentors three of the winning designers of the awards. This mentorship provides the designers with key insight into the luxury retail industry, as well as the opportunity for them to speak to key stakeholders within the company about their individual business strategies ahead of their launch on MATCHES.

Alongside partnering with FTA on Sunday’s dinner, MATCHES will be hosting a mentorship day for the prize winners on Monday, June 26th at their Mayfair townhouse – 5 Carlos Place. The day provides a unique experience for the designers to further understand the fashion industry and introduce them to key tastemakers within it, offering a broader scope of knowledge to support the emerging talent.

Furthermore, the Fashion Trust Arabia winners will take part in a two-day bespoke mentorship programme in partnership with The Bicester Collection and the British Fashion Council. The mentorship will cover various topics essential to the growth of their businesses presented by a line-up of industry experts.