The Arab World Institute in Paris has announced the 32 finalists for the inaugural edition of its Arab Fashion Award, a new prize designed to spotlight designers from the Arab world and its diasporas. Twelve Moroccan creatives made the shortlist, placing the country among the strongest contenders.
The competition, described as a groundbreaking initiative in France, celebrates contemporary Arab fashion across three categories. Morocco will be represented in each one, with three designers competing as “Emerging Talents,” four as “Innovative Talents,” and five in the “Accessories” section.
This first edition drew 125 applications from more than ten countries. Initially planned with only two distinctions, the contest was expanded to three to better reflect the diversity and dynamism of today’s Arab fashion scene.
An international jury of leading industry figures will select the winners, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 8 at the Arab World Institute’s headquarters in Paris.
Through this initiative, the Institute hopes to highlight a sector that blends heritage craftsmanship with modern creativity, while fostering connections between Arab designers and the French fashion scene. The award also echoes the growing ecosystem of fashion initiatives across the Arab world, from Beirut and Dubai to Marrakech and Riyadh.
