These are the change-makers, game-changers, and absolute ballers from the Middle East who made it to this year’s Business of Fashion (BOF) 500 List, a report that celebrates trailblazers in the global fashion industry
The Business of Fashion 500 celebrates 500 influential figures that have contributed to the global fashion industry. Each year sees 100 new entries across executives, creatives, designers, media, retailers, models, entrepreneurs and catalysts for change such as talent scouts, activists and educators. The Business of Fashion 500 Class of 2023 includes 26 locations and 43 nationalities, and features multiple talents from the Middle East.
Hussain Moloobhoy, Joshua Cox and Rajat Malhotra, co-founders of Sole DXB
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Sole DXB has become the leading voice of youth and contemporary culture in the Middle East, and is the largest streetwear festival in the region. The three-day event conceptualised by Hussain Moloobhoy, Joshua Cox and Rajat Malhotra is not only a celebration of fashion, music, visual arts and sports but also an inclusive space for creatives from the region and beyond to gather, collaborate and shop. With humble beginnings in 2010 as a place for sneaker enthusiasts to buy and trade sneakers, Sole DXB now hosts global brands such as Adidas and Nike, and sees exclusive launches and extremely rare goods sold during the event.
Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3) – TECOM Group
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Dubai Design District (also known as D3) is one of Dubai’s most prominent hubs for creative talents, and at its helm is the formidable Khadija Al Bastaki. As executive director, she has a sharp focus on community building and fostering creative talent, while paving the path of leadership for Emirati women.
Laila Gohar, artist
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Working with food as a medium of art may be considered niche, but Egyptian artist, Laila Gohar has deftly navigated her artwork into commercial success. Known for her high-profile collaborations, she’s an undeniable authority on fashion, design, gastronomy and luxury – a compelling visual storyteller.
Amy Roko, entertainer
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Something of a cultural icon for Saudi women, the niqab-wearing comedienne has been challenging perceptions all her life, but more recently on camera with TikTok skits and a blossoming rap career. Her mysterious aura and affable charm rake in both followers and endorsement deals, making her one of the country’s most accomplished businesswomen.
Mohammad Ashi, designer
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Known as Saudi Arabia’s designer to the stars, Ashi has dressed everybody from Beyoncé to Queen Rania. Having worked at fashion powerhouses such as Givenchy and Elie Saab, he recently became the first Saudi designer to present on the haute couture week calendar and the first couturier from the Gulf to join the Fédération de la Haute Couture as a guest member.
Amir Fayo, brand architect
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The multilingual and über creative Fayo has been specialising in creating immersive customer experiences for high-profile clients across fashion, luxury, lifestyle and hospitality sectors. His foundation in design and space-planning enabled him to create a unique approach to branding, something that’s been dazzling the world, many times over.
Rami Al-Ali, designer
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The Syrian designer commanded the world’s attention with his debut at Couture Fashion Week in Paris in 2012. His whimsical design aesthetic combined with his love for fine fabric launched him into fashion stardom, taking him from Dubai and Beirut to the rest of the world.
Read Next: What To Expect At The Inaugural Riyadh Fashion Week
- Words by Priyanka Pradhan
