Hanaa Ben Abdesslem In Dubai-Based TV Show ‘Fashion Star’
It plans to provide a platform for emerging talent in the region
One cannot speak of Dubai without making reference to the impeccable style of its inhabitants and the innumerable boutiques it is home to. It seems only fitting then, that a place of such opulent charm and exquisite couture is the latest addition to a long list of cities that have hosted shows such as Project Runway and Top Design. Debuting on February 3 on Dubai TV and Dubai One, Fashion Star, will provide a platform for Arabic designers to showcase their artistic ability in the hopes of winning 500,000 dirhams and an opportunity to display their pieces on Namshi.com, a Dubai based online-boutique.
The show, which will be the first of it’s kind to grace the region, will feature internationally acclaimed icons of the fashion world including international designer Reem Acra, Tunisian model and Lancôme Ambassador, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem and creative director of Al Oustoura, Ramzi Tabiaat. Hosted by Tunisian model and actress Leila bin Khalifa, viewers will have a front row seat to the artistic vision and creative direction of 12 aspiring Middle Eastern designers. All of who will have access to the wisdom and mentorship of a wide spectrum of fashion experts and personalities.
Industry officials like Sarah Jarman, Director of Dubai One channel, along with Sara Al Sayegh, Marketing Director of Dubai Channels Network have noted their high hopes and expectations for Fashion Star. Giving away a few of the show’s intricacies, Jarman has stated that the first episode has already been filmed in Dubai and the end of each episode will see the elimination of one contestant leading up to the grand finale. Sayegh has also indicated that the show has received extraordinary support from sponsors and third party groups like Namshi, Huda Beauty and so forth. Their inclusion, she states, is an overt displayal of public anticipation as “the success of a reality show can be gauged from effective sponsorship support”.
Reem Acra, along with her contemporaries, has expressed similar sentiments over the potential of the show, stating that she hopes to see successful contestants gain worldwide exposure and for the show to receive public attention. “Based on the new ideas and contemporary designs the program has in store, as well as the submissions of our ambitious designers, I am optimistic that the show has great things in store”, she added.
With it’s star-studded and fashion-forward cast, along with the backdrop of a city that embodies innovation and creativity, Fashion Star promises to deliver world-class efficiency that could rival any foreign TV show in its genre. — Tanika D’Souza
Fashion Star airs every Wednesday after February 3 at 10pm UAE/6pm GMT on Dubai One