The Arab Fashion Council introduces the AFC Fashion Fund, a $500,000 biennial accelerator program designed to support and scale one Arab designer’s brand internationally over four seasons, providing runway production, showroom representation, retail access, and strategic mentoring.
The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) has introduced the AFC Fashion Fund, a new initiative dedicated to nurturing emerging fashion talent from Arab countries. This fund aims to invest $500,000 every two years into the development of a single designer’s brand, providing sustained support designed to help scale their business on a global stage.
Unlike typical fashion awards or one-off monetary prizes, the AFC Fashion Fund is structured as an extensive four-season accelerator program. Its goal is to elevate a Ready-to-Wear (RTW) designer to international prominence by providing them with a comprehensive suite of resources and opportunities over multiple seasons.
The program ensures that the selected designer receives a broad range of assistance, including full runway production with services such as casting, styling, public relations, content creation, and social media amplification. Furthermore, designers will benefit from showroom representation in Paris aligned with the Resort and Pre-Fall schedules, enhancing their exposure to global buyers.
In addition to international runway shows and showroom access, the fund supports capsule collections tailored to the Middle East’s retail calendar. This includes preparations and releases around significant cultural moments like Ramadan and Eid. Designers will also gain access to major retail networks within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and receive bespoke e-commerce strategies crafted to boost direct-to-consumer sales.
With only one designer chosen every two years, the AFC Fashion Fund offers intensive, focused mentoring. This includes industry guidance, strategic market introductions, and a pathway to global brand recognition, facilitating a comprehensive brand-building journey designed to transform local talent into global fashion leaders.
The Esquire Middle East is reporting on the launch of this fund, underscoring its potential to reshape the regional fashion landscape by providing emerging Arab designers with the resources and infrastructure needed for sustained international success.
Source: Noah Wire Services
