The Arab Fashion Council’s $500K Fund Aims to Launch the Next Big Designer
by Adriano Batista
The Arab Fashion Council is stepping up its support for emerging designers with a major new initiative—the AFC Fashion Fund, a $500,000 program designed to transform one promising talent into a globally recognized brand. Unlike traditional grants or one-off prizes, this is a comprehensive two-year accelerator that provides runway production, mentorship, retail access, and a high-profile collaboration to set designers up for long-term success.
What makes this fund unique is its depth of support. The selected designer will get four fully produced runway shows, including everything from casting and styling to PR and social media, along with showroom representation in Paris during key buying seasons. There’s also a focus on strategic retail expansion in the Middle East, including special capsule collections for cultural moments like Ramadan and Eid. One season is entirely dedicated to a collaboration with a global brand, giving the designer a major credibility boost.
Mentorship is another key part of the program, with guidance from top editors, buyers, and investors to help refine business strategy, pricing, and production. Only one designer is chosen every two years, ensuring focused, personalized support. The goal isn’t just to give a designer a moment in the spotlight—it’s to build a sustainable, export-ready brand that can compete on the global stage.
Applications open in June 2025, with the winner announced in October. Over the next two years, the designer will develop four collections, gain international exposure, and work with industry leaders to solidify their brand. By 2027, the AFC expects its first graduate to be a fully established name in fashion.
As the largest non-profit fashion organization in the Arab world, the AFC has been working to elevate the region’s designers. This fund is another step in that mission—turning regional creativity into global competitiveness.
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