Zeina Issa Named Finalist for FTA Awards
Syrian designer Zeina Issa is among the finalists for the Fashion Trust Arabia Awards 2026, nominated in the Debut Talent category.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Fashion
Fashion Trust Arabia unveiled its FTA Awards 2026 finalists, including London-based Syrian designer Zeina Issa, who is nominated under Debut Talent. Issa will present her work to the FTA jury in Doha on November 28, 2026, when seven winners will be announced.
Why it matters
The nomination places a designer who has spent over 15 years away from Syria since the war began before an international jury in the Gulf fashion industry. It also gives visibility to emerging designers working across the Arab world and its diaspora.
Fashion Trust Arabia's awards ceremony takes place November 28, 2026, in Doha, with seven winners to be announced. Issa's nomination falls under the Debut Talent category, which recognizes emerging designers.
The players
Zeina Issa
A Syrian-born designer based in London whose work has been worn by Zara Larsson, Zeyne, and other artists, and who completed a Master's collection at Central Saint Martins.
Fashion Trust Arabia
A Doha-based fashion initiative that supports designers from the Arab world through awards, mentorship, and funding programs.
The details
Zeina Issa, a Syrian designer based in London who grew up in Abu Dhabi and completed a Master's collection at Central Saint Martins, will present her work alongside other nominated artists to the FTA jury. Her clients include Arya Starr, Suede Uluca, and Tinashe, and Zara Larsson wore an Issa piece on her Midnight Sun Tour.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Fashion Trust Arabia announces the FTA Awards 2026 finalists.
November 28, 2026: Finalists present to the FTA jury in Doha, and seven winners are announced at the awards ceremony.
Industry Dynamics
Fashion Trust Arabia has positioned itself as a platform connecting Arab designers with international recognition, and this year's finalist list reflects a growing emphasis on diaspora talent. Issa's nomination shows how regional awards are increasingly drawing designers working outside their home countries into the same competitive field.
For readers following emerging fashion talent, the FTA Awards offer a way to track designers before they reach wider markets. Those interested in Issa's label can watch for her work at the Doha presentations and the subsequent awards results.
The takeaway
Emerging designers often gain visibility through regional awards programs, so following finalist lists can be a useful way to discover new labels. Watching the November 28 results will show which of this year's nominees gain momentum.
What happens next
The FTA jury will hear presentations from finalists in Doha on November 28, 2026, when seven winners will be announced.
Further reading
Explore more designer profiles and runway coverage in our Fashion section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grazia USA.
