Australian trained designer Yousef Akbar has taken out the top prize in the dedicated eveningwear category at the prestigious 2020 Fashion Trust Arabia Awards.
The award comes with financial assistance and the opportunity to collaborate with and be recognised by some of the biggest names in international fashion.
Akbar is one of just five young designers who were chosen as winners by a judging committee that included the likes of Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Alber Elbaz, Elizabeth Salzman and Olivier Rousteing, all of whom met the designers via a series of Zoom conferences last month.
Akbar launched his contemporary evening wear brand in 2017.
His story and rise in the fashion industry has to be heard to be believed, from time spent as a tenpin bowling champion in Saudi Arabia, to formal qualifications and an almost-career in supply chain management and logistics, to becoming a consultant for the Saudi royal family.
Akbar is a graduate of the TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio, which has trained the likes of Dion Lee, Akira Isogawa and Alex Perry.
"It’s a dream come true,” Akbar said.
”It’s a strange to have a dream come true as these things are so rare, and I am overwhelmed by happiness because this will open doors to the global fashion industry which is priceless.
“My brand is not only about creating clothes but is about creating stories that evoke the emotions of the person wearing my clothes and making them feel like they are part of the story. Today we are bombarded with harsh realities, and I believe it is more important than ever to dream.”
TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio’s Anne Normoyle said the win was an incredible achievement.
“The Fashion Trust Arabia award is judged by some of the most influential fashion names on the planet, so what Yousef has achieved is a testament to his hard work.
“Yousef is totally dedicated to his craft and works with a genuine dedication to making clothing that the wearer connects with on an emotional level. He challenges existing conventions about evening wear, about sexuality and about body adornment.”