Morocco’s Princess Lalla Hasnaa and Qatar’s Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani presided over the first ever “Fashion Trust Arabia” gala held in Africa at the El Badii Palace in Marrakech on Thursday, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported.
In her welcome speech to the Princess, Moroccan-Dutch model Imaan Hammam said the “Fashion Trust Arabia” fashion show is a flagship event that promotes designers from the Middle East and North Africa and fosters regional talent.
Over the years, Morocco’s red city, Marrakech, has earned the honor of hosting the fashion show reflecting its historic cultural and artistic roots.
“Marrakech embodies a beautiful fusion of cultures and ideas, reflecting the modern, visionary outlook of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” the Princess said.
Following her opening speech, Princess Lalla Hasnaa presented awards to the winners in five different fashion and innovation categories.
First prize for “Evening Wear” went to designer Yasmine Mansour. Second prize in “Ready-to-Wear” went to Nadine Mossalam. Reem Hamed won third prize in accessories, and fourth prize (Jewelry) went jointly to Sara Naif Al Saud, Noura Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Mashael Khaled Al Saud.
Sylvia Nazzal received fifth prize in the Emerging Talent—Franca Sozzani category, while Batoul Al Rashdane took sixth prize in Fashion Technology.
Spain won seventh place as “Guest Country,” represented by Francisco Barroso and Javier Garcia. Finally, Charaf Tajer received the eighth prize as Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Fashion Trust Arabia fashion show is part of the 2024 Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year, a “Years of Culture” initiative led by Qatar Museums. The year-long exchange focuses on celebrating the profound ties between the two nations while fostering cultural and artistic exchange across the Arab world.