ANUSHAY KHAN delves into the world of British Fashion Council, TANIA FARES, who is spearheading the Middle East’s fashion calendar as the founder and co-chair of the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize.
We have already been introduced to one extravagant Fashion Trust Arabia ceremony. What should we expect from this year’s nominees and event?
Firstly, we’ve received 570 applications this year, from 18 different countries. That’s 295 more than the first edition, so we’re definitely seeing even more creativity emerging already. Similar to last year, we will be showcasing the 25 finalists in an exhibition.
There is an additional new award for 2020, called the Debut Talent Award, which spotlights recent graduates with outstanding design talent and potential to kick start their career and business.
They will have the opportunity to showcase their work to the advisory board and judges like Naomi Campbell, Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin, Elie Saab, Tory Burch and so many more!
The FTA Awards dinner is going to be at the National Museum of Qatar. Its architecture is out of this world, breathtaking! And the museum has such immersive storytelling. That’s all I can share at this stage, but stay tuned for more to come!
What/who influences your personal choice in fashion?
I think, like everyone else, it’s all about the mood. I’ve always found myself attracted to vibrant colours. They reflect my passion for creativity. So, it’s basically whatever inspires me, I wear.
You’re quoted as stating that you ‘follow things you’re passionate about’. Now that FTA is successfully in its second year, do you have any other impending projects?
I’ve got something super exciting! The Fashion Trust has teamed up with InStyle to create InStyle Fashion Trust USA, that we’ll be launching soon with Laura Brown as the Honorary Chair, and Co-Chairs Anne Crawford, Elisa Sednaoui and Karla Welch. Much like Fashion Trust Arabia and Fashion Trust U.K., InStyle Fashion Trust USA will help to provide talented U.S.- based designers with the proper resources they need to succeed and reach their next level of excellence.
We’ve seen it all from you – contributor to Vogue, a partner in fashion lines, co-author. What drives your passion to be so multi-faceted?
I’m a Gemini, being multi-faceted is natural!
“They will have the opportunity to showcase their work to the advisory board and judges like Naomi Campbell, Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin, Elie Saab, Tory Burch and so many more!”
You’re nothing short of a chameleon, which must be tiring! How do you allow yourself to recharge?
I make sure that, no matter what I have going on that day, to take about 20 minutes every morning to meditate and re-center myself.
Reflecting on your love for furniture and art over the years, how did you connect with your artistic side?
My husband, Fares, is the one that has the best eye for furniture, so my love for it is honestly credited to him. He was the one that got me into it.
Tell us more about your artistic relationship with Joseph Achkar.
My uncle was the one that sparked my love for art. When I was young, at about 13 or 14 years old, he’d take me to all the museums. The Louvre, Fontainebleau museum, etc. were all visits we’d make for hours on end. And not one Sunday would pass where we wouldn’t visit the Marche aux Puces. He was the one that entangled me in the beautiful world of art.
We just read your article on your recent visit to Seoul – if you could convince us to visit with ONE thing, what would it be and why?
Ah Seoul! What a wonderful trip. I loved the warmth of the people, the food, and the museums! If I had to recommend it, it would be The Samsung Museum of Art.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
FAVOURITE SKINCARE BRAND?
BARBARA STURM AND TATA HARPER.
FAVOURITE ART GALLERY?
SADIE COLES HQ AND THOMAS DANE GALLERY
FAVOURITE VACATION?
PYJAMAS IN BED.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY AT?
SAN VICENTE BUNGALOWS IN L.A.
FAVOURITE PERFUME?
TEINT DE NEIGE – LORENZO VILLORESI
ONE ITEM YOU DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME WITHOUT?
MY PHONE!
NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION?
LOS ANGELES