Doha's Night of Glamour and Emerging Talent
The city of Doha transformed into a premier global fashion destination on Friday night, hosting the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) 2025 Awards. The event drew a constellation of entertainment royalty, with supermodel Gisele Bündchen gracing the red carpet with her iconic poise and actress Emma Roberts adding a dose of chic charm. However, it was the unexpected and powerful appearance of Lindsay Lohan that truly captivated the audience and defined the evening.
Lindsay Lohan's Unforgettable Red Carpet Moment
Lohan made a spectacular return to the fashion limelight, choosing a dramatic, figure-hugging velvet gown in a deep, rich brown. The colour, often difficult to carry, looked exceptionally luxurious on her, radiating an air of effortless confidence. The dress featured a sculpted, body-skimming silhouette that exuded old-school glamour. The real statement piece was a jewel-encrusted bra detail integrated into the bodice, which glittered with every movement and gave the classic velvet a distinctly modern and edgy twist.
She completed the look with minimal black open-toe heels, ensuring all attention remained on the exquisite gown. When questioned about the designer of her stunning outfit, Lohan responded with a characteristically mischievous smile and a simple, "It's a secret." This playful mystery, a hallmark of her style, left everyone intrigued and cemented her command over the narrative of the night.
Celebrating Arab Design Excellence
Beyond the celebrity dazzle, the core mission of the evening was to recognize and nurture the next generation of design talent from the Arab world. Held under the esteemed patronage of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani and Tania Fares, the awards celebrated creativity and innovation. According to the Qatar News Agency, the 2025 winners were:
- Ziyad Albuainain for Evening Wear
- Youssef Drissi for Ready-to-Wear
- Leila Roukni for Accessories
- Farah Radwan for Jewellery
The Debut Talent award was secured by Alaa Alaradi, and the Fashion Tech prize was awarded to sisters Fatema and Dalal Alkhaja from Bahrain, marking a significant achievement for the region's technological innovation in fashion.
A Launchpad for Global Success
The value of winning a Fashion Trust Arabia award extends far beyond the trophy. The platform provides winners with unparalleled opportunities for global exposure. They receive retail placement for a season with luxury retailers Harrods and Ounass, a massive boost for any emerging label. Additionally, the winners are granted a year-long mentorship with the Bicester Collection and an intensive program in London with the British Fashion Council and Brand x Society.
In a particularly coveted win, Youssef Drissi also earned an exclusive internship at Huntsman in London, where he will create a capsule collection for the brand's e-commerce platform. Since its inception in 2018, FTA has solidified its position as one of the most influential fashion initiatives, effectively bridging the gap between regional talent and the international fashion scene.
While the audience rightly applauded the winning designers, the night also belonged to the established icons who came to support them. Lindsay Lohan's show-stopping velvet and jewelled ensemble served as a powerful reminder of her enduring star power. With this level of style impact in 2025, the fashion world is eagerly watching what she does next.
