Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani chaired the gala dinner of the Fashion Trust Arabia at the El Badii Palace in Marrakech on Thursday evening, an event organized as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
Upon her arrival at El Badii Palace, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa was welcomed by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani and Tania Fares, Vice President of the Fashion Trust Arabia, before reviewing a section of the Auxiliary Forces presenting honors.
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Afterward, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani were greeted by the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor; the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; and the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Morocco, HE Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani.
They were also greeted by the Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region and Governor of the Marrakech Prefecture, Farid Chourak; the President o
f the Regional Council, Samir Koudar; the 3rd Vice-President of the Marrakech City Council, Abdelaziz Bousaid; the President of the Prefectural Council of Marrakech, Jamila Afif; and the President of the Mechouar-Kasbah Commune, Abderrahmane Ouafa.
Additionally, they were greeted by the Director-General of the National Airports Authority and Commissioner-General of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture, Adel El Fakir, and the Director of Events and Partnerships/Secretary of the Creative Hub’s Board of Directors, Saad Saleh Al Hudaifi.
After visiting the photography exhibition by Tala Hadid, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani chaired the gala dinner, which began with the screening of a video highlighting key moments of Fashion Trust Arabia.
In a welcome speech, Dutch model of Moroccan origin Imaan Hammam emphasized the significance of Fashion Trust Arabia as a major event aimed at encouraging and promoting designers from the Middle East and North Africa. She highlighted how
this event has helped foster talent and creativity in the region.
‘Marrakesh embodies a beautiful blend of culture and ideas, reflecting the modern vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,’ she added, noting that this unique blend, which characterizes the ocher city, has inspired countless artists and creators.
Subsequently, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani delivered a speech, stating that Fashion Trust Arabia was being organized for the first time in Africa, and noting that Morocco, with its rich millennia-old history and vibrant culture, is the ideal place for this celebration.
She explained that Fashion Trust Arabia aims to promote the careers of Arab designers and the creative industries in the Arab world, as well as to establish connections between these talents and the industry. She also announced the creation of the Qatar Fashion Craft Council, whose mission will be to support creativity in the Arab world to its full potential. This council will include regional and international experts, pa
rticularly in fashion, crafts, and business.
Tania Fares noted that this event has brought together a community of business leaders, creators, stylists, and designers. She also highlighted the progress made by Fashion Trust Arabia, which has now become a globally recognized platform, expressing pride in showcasing the incredible talent of the MENA region.
Following this, Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Jio Infocomm, announced that India would be the guest of honor at Fashion Trust Arabia in 2025.
After the screening of a video introducing the designers, the awards for this edition of Fashion Trust Arabia were presented.
HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa awarded the first prize in the “Evening Wear” category to designer Yasmine Mansour.
The second prize (Ready-to-Wear) was awarded to designer Nadine Mossalam, the third prize (Accessories) to designer Reem Hamed, the fourth prize (Jewelry) to Sara Naif Al Saoud, Noura Abdulaziz Al Saoud, and Mashael Khaled Al Saoud , the fifth prize (Franca Sozzani Debut Talent)
to Sylvia Nazzal, and the sixth prize (Fashion Technology) to Batoul Al Rashdane.
The seventh prize (Guest Country) was awarded to Spain, represented by Francisco Barroso and Javier Garcia, while the eighth prize (Entrepreneur of the Year) went to Charaf Tajer.
Initiated by the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, this event tests to the depth and strength of the historical ties between the two brotherly peoples and the two Heads of State, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse