Ahmed Amer is a Beirut-based fashion designer and illustrator, recognized for his distinctive gender-fluid, ready-to-wear pieces adorned with minimalist and organic illustrations. His creative journey began with interior architecture studies at The Lebanese University. Subsequently, Ahmed delved into the world of fashion through Creative Space Beirut, a not-for-profit fashion school. He showcased his thesis collection at a live fashion show in downtown Beirut after three years, gaining exposure and experience. His talent shone further when he participated in the Middle East edition of Project Runway, offering him a glimpse into the realm of reality competition. Ahmed's achievements include winning the Open My Med 2020/2021 competition by Maison Mode Méditerranée and becoming a valued member of the Hybrid Wave community. In 2022, Ahmed embraced a new role as an in-house designer and creative director at Inaash, a social enterprise dedicated to preserving Palestinian embroidery heritage and empowering women. As the force behind his eponymous brand, Ahmed Amer, he seamlessly blends emotional depth into his illustrations, often crafted through spontaneous creativity. Notably, he launched his first menswear fashion presentation, FW 22 23, at the Arab Fashion Week presented by Dubai Design District D3 in January 2022. His designs have graced exclusive collections in collaboration with boutiques such as Al Ostoura in Kuwait, FLTRD in Dubai, and Theslow in Lebanon. His collaborative spirit extends to fellow artists, artisans, and designers, resulting in visionary products that align with his artistic vision. Ahmed's influence is not limited to the design realm. He imparts his expertise as a fashion illustration instructor at Creative Space Beirut and conducts public workshops, contributing to the local art and design community. Beyond his creative pursuits, Ahmed dedicates himself to advocating for youth and children's rights as a volunteer with the SDC Lebanon mission, addressing critical issues faced by his country, including corruption, conflicts, and mental health. Furthermore, Ahmed's multidimensional talents are highlighted in his involvement as a visual artist and performer in "that breath we held," a collaborative performance directed by Alaa Minawi in conjunction with Vladimir Kurumilian, a pianist and performer. This live improvisational project dives into the aftermath of the Beirut blast, encapsulating themes of transformation and collective trauma through the lens of breath and documentation.

Elise Koudsieh-Testot is a syrian and french designer based in Paris, Through her work, she defines her longtime admiration for the beauty of women and her fantasy of dressing them up. With a brand's focus on creating more than just garments, but creative and art pieces, Elise designs silhouettes that borrow codes from the 1950’s aesthetics, added to elegant, generous, bold and scenographic designs, all of which celebrates individuality and tributes to the woman who inspires her the most, her syrian mother. Elise lived the major part of her life in the Middle East and Gulf countries ( Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain) where she got closer to her middle eastern roots and where she strengthened her love for a culture she promised herself to represent throughout any form of work she would undertake. Elise hopes to reunite both of her identities, through European inspired designs and middle eastern spirit. Her high-end collections are mainly made out of brocade fabric (sourced or designed by herself). A time-honored luxury embellished woven fabric, that is another tribute to her cultural roots, since the Middle East has been a center to brocade artisans for centuries. Her silhouettes are also styled with vintage cotton fabrics she sources in Greece, and Lebanon, and embodies what she loves most about her heritage, where France and Syria meet.

Based and produced in London, Mood Of Thought is an experiment in radical collaboration and uncompromising environmental commitment, infused with a celebration of creativity and design. Inspired by architecture, Art Deco and 70’s interiors, MOT seeks to create layers of circularity – through the reinvention of inspiration and design concepts, our focus on environmental responsibility, and the dialogue within our collaborative community. We build capsules composed of inclusive, interchangeable styles meant to suit any mood, body type and style – minimalist or maximalist – for a chameleon-like companion to accompany your dynamic, multi-faceted life.

Founded by Zeid Hijazi in 2019, A Jordanian - Palestinian designer and Central Saint Martins alumnus. The brand seeks to challenge conventional norms by posing thought-provoking storytelling about the mysteries of a futuristic yet dystopian Arab universe, all the while incorporating echoes of heritage and Middle Eastern craftsmanship. The outcome of this pursuit manifests in sophistically made garments that straddle the realms of ancient folklore and Arab futurism. Celebrating the designers everlasting fascination in subcultures, goths, ancient civilizations, metaphysics and more. Zeid won the FTA Debut Talent prize for designer just starting out back in 2020. He then proceeded to work in the industry, eventually launching his label. This journey led him back to FTA, where he is now competing in the Ready to Wear category three years later.

In the rarified realm of female-led couture, Renaissance Renaissance stands apart with its fresh approach to occasion wear, celebrating the duality of the modern-day woman while paying homage to the elegance of historical craftsmanship. Founder Cynthia Merhej, a third generation couturier, grew up in her mother’s atelier, gaining an intimate under standing of craftsmanship’s impact on a woman’s everyday life and fostering her vision for its evolution. From a young age, Cynthia developed her craft, sketching, styling, and photographing in her mother’s atelier. Her journey took her to London, where she honed her storytelling skills at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. Upon returning to Beirut, Cynthia merged her passion for world building with her family’s sartorial heritage, giving birth to Renaissance Renaissance. Cynthia’s design ethos embraces life’s moments for subversive self-expression, merging opulence with the everyday. Sportswear taffetas provide light weight functionality to evening dresses. Tulle elevates a basic cotton skirt, while imperfect finishings reduce preciousness. Meticulous attention to detail and fit brings the garments firmly into modern life, avoiding theatricality and resonating with women who don’t want to compromise design and craftsmanship over wearability. Renaissance Renaissance affirms its Beirut roots and is dedicated to supporting Lebanese craftsmanship despite the country’s recent challenges. With its atelier and production returning to the city, the brand aims to preserve the rich heritage of Lebanese artistry and propel it forward to a new era. Since its founding in 2016, Renaissance Renaissance has received prestigious nominations, including the LVMH Prize(2021) and the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize (2021).The brand has garnered widespread recognition and media attention, being featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times, Wmagazine, Vogue, and Le Monde.

Founded in 2018 by Lebanese sisters Yassmin and Farah Saleh, Yassmin Saleh is a sartorial love letter, translating the intangible through craftmanship and unconventional techniques. The brand offers designer ready-to-wear for women who appreciate stories behind their piece of clothing. Each season, a subtle narrative that tackles a modern-day socio-psychological phenomenon is translated into a collection of garments that appeal to those who values low-fashion, high quality sourced clothing, and craftsmanship.

Amir Al Kasm thrives in the interplay of contradiction - where good meets evil, dark meets light, and strength meets vulnerability, finding the sweet spot in a seamless fusion of power and refinement. The brand offers unique evening wear and bridal pieces for the bold and nuanced customer, as well as a thread of up-cycled ready to wear items that tell stories of empowerment and responsibility.

Sara Chraibi was born in Rabat in 1982 in a cultural and artistic environment. She learned embroidery and sewing since childhood from her mother. After architecture studies in Rabat, she moved to Paris for a master degree in philosophy and architecture theory. Once in Paris, her passion for fashion increased. She was motivated by the desire to enhance and update know how to art craft in Morocco. Sara Chraibi founded her couture house in Rabat in2014. Her stamp in fashion is known for accuracy and purity of lines and for her multed faceted embroidery. From Sara's first job as architect, she has kept straightforwardness of building and the sense of precision. Her creations interbreeding footprints both local and kaleidoscopic coming long way from authentic roots. From 2020 to 2021, Sara Chraïbi pursued an executive MBA in Global Fashion Management at Institut Francais de la mode (IFM) in Paris. In November 2022 she became a guest member of the french federation of haute couture and fashion and presented her collections in January and July inthe official calendar of Parisian haute couture week. By bringing a North African and Mediterranean point of view, Sara Chraibi aspires to a fashion that celebrates femininity, for the beauty of the creative gesture, for the freedom of movement and adornment.

Behind the geometric pieces of NOUKTAH, the material express itself, giving rise to bags of smooth radicality. NOUKTAH, which means "point" in Arabic, like the point of a seam, reveals the Syrian heritage of Oubadah Nouktah's dressmaking ancestors. Each model whispers a story of transformation and rebirth, while embodying an innovative alliance with his child passion, automotive design. The first line introduces an innovation with its intuitive bag and patented opening, inspired by the roof system of convertible cars, called the "cabriolet bag". It's a unique and satisfying experience designed for everyday use. At the same time, the line redefines sustainability by giving a new life to car parts from scrap yards to high-end bags for special occasions. It's the harmony between tradition and innovation, creating a space where bold artistry merges with timeless elegance.

Scopa is a vibrant tribute to Egypt and Africa’s rich cultures, transforming wooden hand-holds into wearable works of art. Through intricate hand-painted motifs, these ags echo the vivacious spirit of the streets and timeless architecture. Founder Dina Baheir’s deep connection with her artist mother Amal fuels This venture, uniting generations. scopa meticulously crafted products emphasize sustainability, cultural diversity and local craftsmanship, encapsulating the essence of heritage in each statement piece. What we want is to reflect identity and make everywoman feel unique

AMEL BATITA, THE NEW SILK SCARF BRAND WITH AN INNOVATIVE SAVOIR-FAIRE! Amel Batita, a French designer based in Paris of Algerian and Tunisian origin, is the artist and designer of Amel Batita Silk scarves. Constantly seeking new artistic techniques, the artist and designer reinvents the silk scarf and creates artworks on silk using innovative expertise driven by recycling that she named Artcycling. Amel breathes new life into the objects around her to create textures on canvas, which she later translates onto silk twill, giving birth to bold and unique patterns! Each silk scarf holds a unique canvas! Her ambition is to reveal a new facet of art by merging it with fashion through the accessory that holds a special place in her heart: the silk scarf. “I LOVE THE IDEA THAT THE SILK SCARF BECOMES A PERMANENT EXHIBITION WHEN IT IS WORN” Amel Batita owes her passion for the silk scarf to her father. From an early age, she accompanied her father, a market vendor, on his trips to Italy to discover new trends of scarves. She was affectionately nicknamed "Amelia" by her father's suppliers. The house's garage turned into a pool of scarves, a vibrant mix of colors and materials. “ THE SILK SCARF IS A PART OF ME, IT’S LIKE A FAMILY HEIRLOOM INHERITED FROM MY FATHER.” Amel Batita's silk scarf patterns emerge from objects, materials and substances reused in a creative way to be transformed into textures on canvas. Thanks to the secret of her innovative savoir-faire, Artcycling, she reveals hidden beauty and creates unique and original patterns. This innovative approach adds new value and perspective to discarded objects, reinvented through its two means of expression: art and fashion.

A BETTER FEELING is a design studio based in Cairo, Egypt and founded by Xander Ghost. Co-designed and co-creative directed by Lily Max and Xander Ghost, A BETTER FEELING is driven by the principle of achieving connection, dedicated to creating synergy between product and person through a symbiotic visual identity and material language.

Founded in 2017 by Anas Alomaim, OŪMÄEM is a jewelry design studio started with the aim to explore abstract pieces reflective of a new Arab identity. Inspired by the architecture of the Arab world, every jewelry object by OŪMÄEM is conceived as a play of a traditional form. OŪMÄEM design processes always start by examining a prevalent theme from a particular culture to construct evocative jewelry collections.

"Clémentine L. and Nour B., ie L and B, said ÈLBÉ, which means «my heart» in some Arabic dialects, met in 2015 as they started working together in a leading luxury fashion house. When founding ÈLBÉ in 2018, they designed this heart within an L and B which became the emblem of the brand, symbolizing the true friendship on which the collaboration was built. Clémentine is a born and raised Parisian while Nour is Tunisian and arrived in Paris in 2008 to study, and finally settled there. Apart of ÈLBÉ, they both work as freelance designers for Chanel, Hermès, Charlotte Chesnais, Lemaire & others. When it comes to ÈLBÉ, they consider themselves both creatives and craftsmen. Each drawing, test, model, product, goes through their two minds and four hands."

Katarina Tarazi has a passion for cultural artifacts and their social significance. Inspired by her childhood love for collecting Victorian toys and trinkets, she became fascinated with creating jewellery that holds secret messages and interact mechanically with their keeper. And so in 2021, Katarina officially launched her brand, offering tactile jewellery that taps into our superstitions and desire for play. Her jewellery is of course made in her hometown, Beirut. Katarina believes her purpose in life is to create objects infused with stories, and this is manifested in her jewellery designs. Each piece she creates incorporates design elements from a specific historical era and is imagined to have been made during that time, embodying supernatural powers. By pushing mechanical and aesthetic boundaries, her jewellery follows the principles of technology of enchantment, allowing small objects to express big feelings and energy through motion. Her jewellery strikes a balance between sentimentality and practicality, offering tangible and intangible value while satisfying personal fetishes and providing a sense of agency and storytelling in an ever-changing world. Katarina combines jewellery innovation with a focus on product engineering and design. Her creative process involves extensive historical research and a touch of fantasy. Starting with sketches and technical hand drawings, the designs are transformed into 3D renderings and then meticulously craſted by skilled artisans in Beirut. The production of each piece takes months or even up to a year, involving trial and error and the dedication of multiple individuals. Her totemic jewellery is made with 18K gold, featuring a signature semi-mae, semi-shiny finish.

Born and raised in Cairo, Shereen Shawky has been passionate about arts, fashion, and design since a young age. Her architectural studies exposed her to different design scales and mediums. After graduation, she combined all these interests into one place; Dys-euphoria. Dys-euphoria is an experimental jewelry brand that aspires to grow organically through culture, storytelling, and craftsmanship. It is a place for her and the wearer to express and cultivate an open discussion about humanity and culture through fashion.

Amina Galal is an Egyptian Fashion Designer, with a BF Ain Fashion Design from Parsons Paris - The New School, Class of 2023. Having lived and worked in multiple countries has fostered her admiration of cultures, subcultures and craftsmanship from which she draws a lot of her inspiration. Her approach to the garment making process emphasizes the humanity and people behind every piece, she believes clothes are not inhuman but animate pieces with a story, process and purpose.

Algerian-French Parisian-born designer Maïssane Nour Zinaï established her label ARIS- THANE shortly after graduating from the Fashion BA course at Central Saint Martins, Lon- don. Futuristic, dynamic, sport-oriented, elegant with a touch of humour, community-centred and a celebration of reality through fiction. ARISTHANE is all about mixity. The first motivation for Maïssane Zinaï’s work is a VISCERAL NEED TO TELL STORIES and MAKE SHELTERS. Fiercely blending the frontiers between Orient and Occident, ARISTHANE is a collaborative, sustainable and women-led label, between IRL and Digital, that aims to manifest, season after season, a new contemporary mythology. Envisioning universality as a harmonious mix of particular individualities, revisiting specific traditions to extirpate the unicity and using fiction as a lever for unlocking the full potential of the future. From Algerian and Sufi roots, the label creates garments and brings them to life in a new sci-fi universe composed today of 54 worlds and their cultures, bio, economic and political systems, five languages, particular and commune history that she has created for the last 18 years. Maïssane’s accolades include the British Fashion Council Award in 2019 & 2021, Alexander Mc- Queen’s Sarabande Foundation Graduation Prize in 2022 and Net-A-Porter Vanguard Prize in 2022. She can count as her mentors the British Designer Craig Green, British Vogue’s Fashion Director Julia Sarr-Jamois and Eva Chen director of Fashion partnership at Instagram and Meta. Her designs have already been featured in a range of major magazines, publications and plat- forms including PAPER Magazine featuring singer Katy Perry in a fully revisited haïk in 2019, GLAMCult Magazine featuring French-Egyptian-Iranian singer Lafawndah, Porter Magazine, WWD, SHOWStudio, Harper BAZAAR Arabia ... Her installation/sculpture work has been showcased at Paris Fashion Week for MACHINE A x CIFF salon, her capsule collection DIGITAL WALLFLOWER has also been showcased at the Balenciaga Museum for the TRANSMISSION Exhibition (2021) and she digitally showcased her graduation collection at the London Fashion Week in July 2022 as part of the official schedule.

Adam.é is where duality converges with aesthetic design and functionality. Embracing the harmony of contrasts, embodying the delicate dance between elegance and utility. With a meticulous focus on design, every detail reflects commitment to striking visual appeal. Yet, beneath the surface, the products excel in delivering practical solutions. The design philosophy of Adam.é is profoundly rooted in the dynamic between power and pain that shapes the human condition. This conceptual framework is a reflection of his personal journey, informed by the unique trajectory of his life up until this juncture. Over the course of 28 years, He witnessed 28 summers in the rich landscapes of Morocco and an equal number of winters in the diverse urban tapestry of East London. In essence, the humanity that Adam.é seeks to engage with through his designs is intimately connected to his deep-seated understanding of the nuances of power and pain. This synergy between his personal narrative, cultural ties, and worldly perceptions is what breathes life into each creation, forging a tangible and authentic connection with those who resonate with the intricate layers of the human experience. Welcome to a world where opposites not only attract but coexist in perfect balance.

Studio B.O.R.: Bridging the gap between innovation and sustainability, Studio B.O.R. is a beacon of conscientious design in the fashion realm. Founded by Batoul Omar al-Rashdan, a trailblazing entrepreneur with a decade of experience in design and digital fabrication, the brand encapsulates the spirit of responsible creativity. Inspired by local landscapes and traditions, Studio B.O.R.'s creations seamlessly fuse high-tech processes with eco-conscious materials. From 3D-printed dresses, headpieces, and clutches/bags to other bio-inspired accessories, each piece is an embodiment of art, technology, science, and ethical values. These designs are been celebrated on international television channels, in magazines, and in various exhibitions all around the world. Reflecting the spirit of its founder's postgraduate studies and architectural background, winner of the Distributed Design Awards 2022, and all the research showcases the dedication to innovation. With an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future, Studio B.O.R. envisions fashion as a catalyst for positive transformation

Tokyo James is a Nigerian-British luxury fashion brand, founded 2015 by Iniye Tokyo James, travelling between London and Lagos, with a base in menswear his collections emphasize the use of traditional Saville Row tailoring whilst shattering traditions with unconventional Pantone and textile choices - gaining James a fast-growing cult following globally. In 2022 the brand officially launched its womenswear line which aligns with the brands core ethos, combining bold designs with a modern and sultry twist.

Lagos Space Programme is a conceptual non-binary design label founded by Adeju Thompson in 2018. The label offers intellectual, high-end ready-to-wear collections while exploring parallel concepts through multidisciplinary collaborative projects. The name of the label reflects our ethos/manifesto, grounded in our roots but still looking outward; a theme rooted within the notion of African futures. Our projects aim to explore African futures through a lens informed by slow fashion and by dissecting the intersection of Thompson's life experiences, thereby communicating ideas of individuality, and proposing new ways to understand beauty.

The KENNETH IZE ethos is rooted in the exploration and reinterpretation of a myriad of cultural aesthetics. Kennetih Ize reinterprets Nigerian craft to create an original perspective on luxury design. Working directly with a variety of communities across Nigeria, Kenneth Ize is devoted to the long established traditions within Nigerian craft and local artisanship often merging contemporary design aesthetics and new approaches to production with a perceptibly local handcraft practice.

Nkwo Onwuka is a seasoned sustainability expert in the African fashion industry. She is devoted to promoting a positive image of Africa and the unique interpretations of its rich history and traditions by introducing innovative and more mindful ways of modern garment and textile production.