Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) has announced Saudi-born designer Yousef Akbar as the winner of a competition for the Not Just A Label (NJAL) community to showcase their wares at a special gala in Dubai later this year.
Akbar’s designs were selected from more than 170 global entrees to present his latest collection at FFWD’s April 2020 edition, taking place from April 2-4 at Dubai Design District (d3).
Akbar’s work was selected by a committee that included FFWD CEO Bong Guerrero, Ritu Upadhyay, Shahi Hamad, Marcela Danielova and other leaders from the FFWD team.
Designers were evaluated on aesthetic, innovative approach and relevance to the region, as well as demonstrated business acumen, production capacity, and positive brand narrative.
“I am absolutely thrilled and grateful to be selected as the winner of this highly regarded competition and am grateful to both Not Just A Label and Fashion Forward Dubai for advancing my journey,” said Yousef. “It will enable me to showcase my work to a wider audience. I can’t wait to unveil my latest collection there.”
Born in Saudi Arabia, Yousef Akbar initially studied logistics at the University of South Australia before pursuing a career in fashion design while also completing his Master’s at Sydney University.
Akbar’s pieces underscore his fascination with the interaction of cloth and the human body. His collections challenge conventions in cutting and garment construction, while maintaining elegance and femininity. It is the voice he uses to deliver his message to the world, in the form of fabric worn on the body.
The Yousef Akbar brand is built on creating ethical and responsible couture and ready-to-wear garments that allow his customers to look and feel good. Akbar uses recycled materials and supports local artisans in small communities from the Middle East and around the world in his manufacturing process.
Bong Guerrero explained: “Yousef demonstrates the fluidity and interplay between the Middle East and other fashion markets with his Saudi-meets-Sydney brand journey, and his recognition through the NJAL competition emphasises FFWD’s commitment to discovering new designers.”
During FFWD, Yousef Akbar will show the Blood Witness collection, which is dedicated to the concept of sustainable and socially responsible couture, supporting women in the developing world, including the Middle East and India.
According to Yousef, he dedicates this collection to all women – including the widows, the orphans, the teenagers fighting to get an education, the abused, and finally to the brave women fighting and standing up for their rights, evolving their cultures, and challenging the norm in their quest for equality and freedom.
Yousef Akbar has a number of celebrity clients such as Chrissy Teigen, Kelly Rowland, Kimbra, Jessica Mauboy, Kelly Osbourne and others.
