After a successful stint last year, Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) is slated to be back in April with an impressive roster of talent, among which Saudi-born designer Yousef Akbar will be at the forefront. The event recently announced Yousef as the winner of a competition for the Not Just A Label (NJAL) community. His designs were selected from more than 170 global entrees and the win comes with the opportunity to showcase his creations at FFWD that runs from 2-4 April in Dubai Design District.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ZwaCJlunS/

Yousef’s work was selected based on its aesthetic vocabulary, innovation and relevance to the region, as well as his sound business acumen, production capacity and positive narrative as a designer. “I’m absolutely thrilled and grateful to be selected as the winner of the highly regard competition and am grateful to NJAL and FFWD for advancing my journey,” he said in a release. “It will enable me to showcase my work to a wider audience. I can’t wait to unveil my last collection there.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bav__yTBQ74/

During the event, Yousef will unveil his ‘Blood Witness’ collection, which is dedicated to the idea of sustainable and socially responsible couture, supporting women in the developing world, including South Asia and the Middle East. We can’t wait to experience the splendor of Yousef’s work.

Fashion Forward Dubai runs from 2-4 April 2020 in Dubai Design District.