Watch out for this name on a fashion label near you: Dubai-based designer Faisal El Malak this week was named the winner of the DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize for his spring 2018 ready-to-wear collection. He walks away with a prize valued at Dh900,000, which is given annually to an emerging designer in the region by the Dubai Design and Fashion Council (DDFC).
Faisal’s designs are inspired by Middle Eastern culture, with his latest collection using textiles and fabrics sourced from the region. The designer, who has been based in Dubai since 2014, took inspiration from 19th century artwork and the fashions of the 1920s to create his collection.
He was one of five RTW finalists for the annual prize, which is in its third year.
The prize for accessories designer was given to Lebanon-based Joanna Laura Constantine, while Nadine Ghosn picked up the award for high jewellery designer - a new category added this year.
Each of the winners will receive a collective prize valued at $250,000 (around Dh900,000). This will include the opportunity to sell their spring 2018 collections in Harvey Nichols Dubai and Bloomingdale’s Kuwait, mentorship from local experts, and an advertising campaign promoting their retail launch.
High jewellery winner Nadine Ghosn was inspired by food for her Spring 2018 collection. The Lebanese designer created a colourful Japanese-themed line, with luxury jewellery pieces resembling sushi. 18-carat gold designs were encrusted with colourful stones, to create an unusual but interesting collection.
Joenna Laura Constantine’s statement jewellery collection combines modern and classic materials to create wearable yet edgy pieces that will bring your outfit to life.
Nine industry experts, both regional and international, judged the entries, including fashion designer Reem Acra and Jazia Aldhanhani, CEO of DDFC.
'In line with DDFC’s mandate to support talent development and the growth of our creative community, the Fashion Prize is an important platform for upcoming designers to further develop their skills and showcase their talent on a global stage,' said Jazia after the awards were announced at a gala dinner in Dubai. 'I wish to congratulate all of the participating designers and thank Vogue Arabia and the Fashion Prize Selection Committee for their commitment to promoting emerging talent.”
Here's the full list of finalists and winners:
Ready-to-wear
Faisal Al Malak: UAE (winner)
FMM Dubai (Fatma Al Mulla): UAE
Lama Jouni: UAE
Nour Najem: Lebanon
Twisted Roots (Latifa Al Gurg): UAE
Accessories
Joanna Laura Constantine: Lebanon (winner)
Alia Bin Omair: UAE
Hooked | HKD (Farah Nasri): UAE
LaLaQueen (Sally Sarieddine): Lebanon
Liudmila (Najeeba Hayat): Kuwait
High jewellery
Nadine Ghosn Fine Jewelry: Lebanon (winner)
Gafla Jewellery: UAE
Nuun Jewels (Nourah Al Faisal): Saudi Arabia
