Left to right: Katarina Tarazi, Cynthia Merhej, Sarah Hermez, Ahmed Amer, Salma Hayek, Lily Max, Xander Ghost, Adam Alaoui Elyasse, Tania Fares, Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani

Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) recently celebrated its 2023 prize winners with a grand event in London, where industry leaders and key players gathered to honor the latest trailblazers in fashion. Among the distinguished winners were alumni from Creative Space Beirut, showcasing the school's remarkable talent and innovative designs.

Ahmed Amer, a graduate of Creative Space Beirut, won in the Ready-to-Wear category and traveled to London to receive his award. His presence marked a significant milestone for the institution, demonstrating the global recognition of its alumni. Sarah Hermez, the founder of Creative Space Beirut, attended the event to receive the award for Amir Al Kasm in the Eveningwear category, as he was unfortunately unable to obtain a visa.

The event spanned three days and included various activities designed to empower and mentor the winners. Workshops covered essential topics such as industry insights, collection development, and merchandising. These sessions provided invaluable knowledge and guidance from prominent figures in the fashion industry, helping to shape the winners' future careers.

A lineup of expert speakers offered invaluable insights into various facets of business and brand development. On Day 1, Tugba Unkan, founder of Spice Brands, kicked off with a workshop on preparing your business to raise funds, setting the tone for a day rich in knowledge sharing. The discussions continued with Francois Souchet, Managing Director at Swanstant, who highlighted opportunities in sustainability. Legal perspectives were provided by Jason Rawkins and Elena Glengarry from Taylor Wessing Firm, focusing on IP rights and considerations, while Christopher Suarez, partner at Ziggurat Ventures, delved into scaling a business.

Day 2 maintained the momentum with Nina Kong, Head of Strategy at HighSnobiety , offering strategies on how to build a brand, complemented by Hannah Rowlands from Spotify, who explored growing a brand with the platform's tools. Chloe Reuter, a luxury brand strategist, further enriched the dialogue with her expertise on brand building. Angela Farrugia, founder of Brand X Society, wrapped up with a compelling session on treating a brand as a business, rounding off an event packed with actionable advice and strategic insights for all attendees.

One of the highlights of the event was a celebratory dinner where the winners were formally recognized and received their awards. This dinner not only honored their achievements but also provided an opportunity for networking with influential industry leaders.

In a fitting tribute to their accomplishments, the winners' designs were displayed in Harrods, one of the world's most prestigious department stores. This exhibition allowed the press and key industry players to admire the creativity and craftsmanship of the FTA winners, further enhancing their visibility and reputation.

For Creative Space Beirut, this event underscored the school's commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for its students to shine on the global stage. Ahmed Amer's success in the Ready-to-Wear category and the recognition of Amir Al Kasm's work in Eveningwear highlight the exceptional quality of education and mentorship at Creative Space Beirut.

As the winners return home, they carry with them not only their awards but also the knowledge and connections gained from this transformative experience. The recognition and support from Fashion Trust Arabia will undoubtedly propel their careers forward, paving the way for future successes and contributions to the fashion industry.

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