All You Need to Know is back, and well, you’ve found yourself here once again. Welcome back, you! If you’ve been offline or want to catch up on all the delicious and news-worthy fashion headlines from the MENA, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s what you (might have) missed!
FTA 2021 Winners Announced
The Fashion Trust Arabia Prize Gala Dinner and Ceremony returned to its physical format this year after taking a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic. On the 3rd of November, the event broke the Internet as A-list stars, designers and models including Naomi Campbell, Virgil Abloh, and Mugler’s Casey Cadwallader, among others, made their way to the Qatar Museum to celebrate and honor the new generation of Arab designers and those from the guest country, Colombia.
Mohamad Benchellal from Morocco won in the evening-wear category, Zaid Affas from Iraq won ready-to-wear, Alia Bin Omair from the United Arab Emirates won jewellery, Bilal Fellah from Morocco took the prize in accessories, Abed El Tayeb from Sudan walked away with the Franca Sozzani debut talent award and Agustín Nicolás Rivero celebrated on behalf of Colombia.
We’re anxiously waiting to see what these future stars have up their sleeves for us as they begin a new chapter in their creative careers.
Priyanka Chopra Stuns in Benchellal
A match made in FTA heaven! Indian actress Priyanka Chopra stepped out in a saffron orange air mesh short blazer dress from FTA 2021 evening-wear winner Benchellal’s N*9 collection to celebrate Bulgari in Dubai. Image Architect Law Roach, who was introduced to the designer during their time in Qatar, said: “Thank you Fashion Trust Arabia for giving me the opportunity to meet such amazing new talents.” We love to see it.
Chopard Releases a Collection of Pendants with Arabic Lettering
FTA 2021 Sponsor, Chopard, (through Alfardan Jewellery), launched a special version of their “Happy Diamonds” collection titled “Happy Diamonds, Happy Me” honoring the rich history of the Arabic Language. The rose gold pendants feature 11 Arabic letters and are moulded from ethical 18-carat rose gold, sapphire crystals and dancing gold mobiles, allowing the precious stones to spin and sparkle freely — a classic Chopard theme. 11 versions are available to buy in select retailers across the MENA. Visit chopard.com for more information.
Bella Hadid Opens Up!
Palestinian supermodel, Bella Hadid took to Instagram to open up about how she didn’t feel good enough to be what she’s become, as well as her experiences with breakdowns and burnout. We all know, or should know, that mental and physical health are equally important when it comes to feeling well. Seeking help is not shameful, but should be encouraged. There’s so much strength in seeking help, and as Hadid adds, being able to “understand your traumas, triggers, joys, and routine, [then] you will always be able to understand or learn more about your own pain and how to handle it.”
As someone who had their fair share of mental health issues, I agree with Bella, you’re not alone — even though it may feel like that way, and yes it does feel very real. However, “self help and mental illness/chemical imbalance is not linear and it is almost like a flowing rollercoaster of obstacles… it has its ups and downs, and side to sides. But I want you to know, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, and the rollercoaster always comes to a complete stop at some point,” Hadid said.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of help, please visit professional, licensed, and vetted therapists who can help you navigate those distressing times. Start today by visiting betterhelp.com.
Meera Adnan Drops her Capsule, “Harvest Season”
Contemporary RTW label Meera Adnan collaborated with Farah Qaddan, a Palestinian creative who is also from Gaza City, for their new capsule drop “Harvest Season.” The collection celebrates the strength of Palestinian Tatreez (embroidery) and is an amalgamation of old, new, boundaries and the limitless exploration of Palestinian tradition and its art.
The warm yet bold colors present in the collection honor the Palestinian harvest season. “Something that is undeniable about every Palestinian, from near or afar, is our impassioned love for our land and the fruits and flowers that it bears for us. And so, each pattern represents a certain element of this diverse landscape,” Adnan tells FTA. Shop the capsule collection on MeeraAdnan.com
