5 Regional Creatives That Were Honoured On The 2023 BoF 500 List
Bazaar Arabia shares the 5 Middle Eastern fashion-forward innovators that were selected to be a part of BoF 500’s Class of 2023
The Business of Fashion 500 was first created in 2013 to show the top 500 influential individuals contributing to the global fashion industry and has continued since adding new entrants each year.
The BoF 500 2023 ceremony took place this weekend and highlighted individuals who are making a significant impact on the fashion industry across the globe. The final list is carefully selected and narrowed down to 100 new additions to the BoF 500. The class of 2023 has new entrants from 26 different locations, including 5 from the Middle East.
Bazaar Arabia shares the list of 5 exceptional Middle Eastern talents that have made massive contributions to the world of fashion and were selected to join the BoF 500 list.
5 Middle Eastern Talents That Were Honoured On The 2023 BoF 500 List
Amy Roko
Saudi internet personality Amy Roko is known for her comedic sketches, vivacious personality and her talent for hip-hop and rap. However, by participating in modeling campaigns hosted by global fashion and beauty brands such as Levi’s and Benefit Cosmetics, Amy quickly became a regional fashion phenomenon, combining culture and faith with fashion and challenging stereotypes about her home country. The social media influencer got her big break in 2022 when she appeared for a New Balance advertisement, sporting active wear and chunky sneakers.
Khadija Al Bastaki
Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, Khadija Al Bastaki is known for her dedication to fashion, culture and design, with her passion project Dubai Fashion Week amassing thousands of fashion experts annually, strengthening Dubai as the fashion capital of the Middle East. The Emirati Entrepreneur has contributed to the growth and preservation of art and culture in the UAE by hosting events such as Sole DXB and Dubai Design Week, in addition to launching a fashion-based university on the D3 grounds.
Mohammed Ashi
First Saudi designer to be featured on the BoF 500 list, Mohammed Ashi is known for his masterful designs and expert craftsmanship, making him a top choice for global and regional A-listers, including Beyoncé, Sonam Kapoor and Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan. After working for luxury brands Givenchy and Elie Saab, Mohammed started his own fashion label in 2007, with his signature looks transforming classic Western silhouettes into cultural works of art with Arab influences.
Rami Al Ali
Renowned Syrian designer Rami Al Ali is known for his elegant and ethereal designs, having dressed global celebrities, including Amal Clooney, Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez. After starting his own couture label in 2001, Rami showcased his innovations on big platforms and gained popularity after his display at Alta Moda Alta Roma in Italy. Rami has proved his dedication towards nurturing young Arab talent by holding mentorship programs in Syria and the UAE.
Mumi Haiati
German-Iranian entrepreneur Mumi Haiati is the founder of Reference Studios, a holistic communications agency based in Berlin, that has become a trusted resource for fashion lovers all around the world. The multimedia studio takes up several projects, from press relations to retail marketing, covering a range of artists, brands and events, while also initiating festivals that celebrate media and culture.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/ @khadijai