The Arab Fashion Council has officially launched the application process for their inaugural AFC Fashion Fund. This game-changing initiative is aimed at transforming the career of one standout ready-to-wear designer from the Arab world.
With a total value of $500,000, the biennial Fashion Fund offers direct investment, tailored mentorship, and international exposure in an effort to thrust a deserving designer into the global fashion scene. The chosen designer will embark on a 2-year, 4-season brand accelerator, designed to build a sustainable, ready-to-export label from the region.
“This Fund is about investing in long-term transformation, not just short-term visibility,” said Mohammed Aqra, Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council. “We’re building the next generation of globally relevant brands from our region by giving them the tools, access, and industry trust to compete and scale.”
Here’s a quick overview of everything you need to know:
The AFC Fashion Fund’s $500,000 combines cash and high impact in-kind support. The selected designer will be awarded 2 consecutive seasons in AFC’s showrooms, located in the fashion-forward cities of Paris and Dubai.
Furthermore, a capsule collection will be released in collaboration with an international brand or retailer. Alongside bespoke branding and a storytelling campaign to build long-term market relevance, the designer will also receive mentorship from a board of acclaimed global fashion leaders.
Finally, the AFC’s regional and global press network will provide media coverage of the designer’s journey.
To apply, designers must fulfill two simple conditions. They must specialize in ready-to-wear fashion and hold citizenship from any Arab League member country
Applications will be evaluated by a distinguished advisory board of editors, investors, buyers, and creative leaders, with the winning designer announced later in 2025.
This strategic effort is testament to the AFC’s commitment to positioning Arab designers on the global stage, by equipping them with the funding, guidance, and platforms necessary to grow not just creatively, but commercially, too.
Applications are now open via the Arab Fashion Council’s official channels which can be found here.
