Arab Fashion Council

The Arab Fashion Council (AFC) is the world's largest non-profit fashion council and an INGO for the Arab World. It represents the 22 members of the Arab League. Based in Dubai, the AFC works to promote Arab fashion designers around the world and share fashion culture across the region. Its goal is to help place the Arab world firmly on the international fashion map.

The council brings together many parts of the fashion industry, including designers, models, photographers, hair stylists, make-up artists, and art directors. It also sets strong rules and standards to protect all models working in the Middle East by overseeing modeling agencies. Additionally, the AFC oversees fashion schools that operate under the laws of Arab nations, ensuring quality and support for emerging talent in the fashion world.

History

The Arab Fashion Council started with Cav. Mario Boselli as its first honorary president, who was formerly the president of the Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana. On 18 December 2017, the council announced the opening of its office in Riyadh and held the first fashion week in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, called "Arab Fashion Week".

On 7 December 2015, Jacob Abrian became the council’s chief executive officer, the youngest person to hold that position. In 2021, the council partnered with the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. This partnership led to the first Fashion Week showing men's clothing. The event lasted three days and was held online from Dubai. It is planned to happen twice every year along with other men’s fashion weeks.

Activities

The Arab Fashion Council organizes two big events each year, called Dubai Fashion Week. This is the main fashion show in Dubai and the Arab World, and it is part of the world's most famous fashion weeks, including London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week. During Dubai Fashion Week, designers from all 22 Arab countries show their clothes to the world.

The first Riyadh Fashion Week happened in Saudi Arabia in April 2018. In 2020, because of COVID-19, the Arab Fashion Council held Dubai Fashion Week online. Later that year, they also helped Arab designers show their work during Paris Fashion Week.

Education

The Arab Fashion Council works with top fashion schools and the UNESCO office in Doha, Qatar. It helps improve fashion education and offers full scholarships for Arab students. Each year, students compete for the chance to study fashion design in Dubai, both for their first year of college and for advanced studies.