Dubai: An Emirati fashion designer has won the prestigious award for the most successful Young Entrepreneur in Fashion and Design as part of the prestigious International Young Design Entrepreneur Awards (IYDEA) from the British Council.
Iman Al Midfa, who created and founded Ghizlan Fashion House which fuses together western and eastern design elements to create unique collections of Abayas (loose over-garment for women) and other local traditional wear, will represent the UAE in the tour of UK Design Institution in September. The young Emirati bested four other finalists for her unique and traditional ventures in the world of fashion.
“To represent UAE at an international level is an honour, and the tour along with all its benefits will open new horizons of opportunities and add great value to my individual learning experience in this field,” Al Midfa said.
“I will enjoy showcasing our Middle Eastern identity and ultimately bring awareness of my rich culture and traditions,” she added.
Al Midfa will join 21 other finalists in the UK for a week-long industry visit that includes attendance at the London Fashion Week, curated group meetings, peer networking, among others.
Al Midfa impressed the judges with her extensive knowledge and awareness of the fashion market sector in the region not to mention her eco-conscious, traditional yet innovative style.
“The work of Iman reflects her very own personality. She will act as an ambassador for the region bringing the best of the Middle East towards her peers,” Cyril Zammit, Fair Director for Design Days Dubai and award judge, said.
“Iman is an excellent example of what it means to be an Emirati woman entrepreneur. She is creative and quietly confident, she understands her industry and the market, and is deeply connected to her roots,” Kate Owen, Deputy Director of the British Council UAE, said.
UAE-based entrepreneurs have won the international title twice in the past: Rami Farook of Traffic Gallery won the International Young Design Entrepreneur Award in 2009 and Nayla Al Khaja won the International Young Screen Entrepreneur Award in 2010.
