The Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris unveiled on Friday the names of the 32 finalists for the first edition of its “Arab Fashion Award,” including twelve Moroccan designers.
Among the Moroccan finalists in this competition, presented as a “groundbreaking” initiative in France highlighting “the creativity and talent of designers from the Arab world and its diasporas”, three were selected in the “Emerging Talent” category, four in the “Innovative Talent” category, and five in the “Accessories” segment.
In total, 125 applications from more than ten countries were submitted to the selection committee for this inaugural edition of the Arab Fashion Prize in France, which is open to “all designers who are nationals of Arab League countries or their diasporas,” the IMA said in a press release.
The Institute welcomed the strong response as a reflection of “diversity, creativity, and vitality” on the modern Arab fashion scene, noting that this enthusiasm prompted the expansion of the award to three categories instead of the two initially planned.
The “Accessories” category was thus added to the two prizes announced at the launch of the competition: “Emerging Talent,” aimed at an up-and-coming designer whose work stands out for its originality and development potential, and “Innovative Talent,” rewarding a bold approach based on technical innovations, new materials, or responsible production processes.
The award ceremony for the winners, whose work will be reviewed by an international jury composed of influential figures from the fashion world, will take place on October 8 at the Arab World Institute in Paris.
The IMA Arab Fashion Prize seeks to “promote an industry rich in know-how, carrying a unique identity and vibrant modernity, while strengthening synergies between Arab designers and the French fashion scene,” the Institute emphasized.
It also aims to “enrich an already dynamic ecosystem, where numerous initiatives are emerging across the region, from Beirut to Dubai, through Marrakech and Riyadh,” according to the same source.
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