Lebanese-British entrepreneur, philanthropist and fashion consultant Tania Fares is the founder and co-chair of Fashion Trust Arabia, a non-profit initiative dedicated to finding, funding and mentoring young design talent. Tania’s involvement in fashion world began quite early, after taking an internship at Pierre Cardin. Inspired by the creativity of the designer’s studio, she has dedicated her professional life to empowering creativity both in London and abroad. Tania was born in Lebanon and raised in Paris, and is currently based out of LA, London and Beirut.

3oud.com sat down with Tania Fares and got her feedback on being a mentor and an influential female figure of support.  

Can you talk us through your career prior to Fashion Trust Arabia?

My career has always been about entrepreneurship and trying new things. The key turning point was probably 2007, when I co-founded a fashion label called LuLu&Co with my friend Lulu Kennedy.

A few years later in 2011,I co-founded the BFC Fashion Trust, which is a nonprofit organization that helps designers in the UK. That year was quite interesting as I also became a contributing editor for British Vogue, which is where my editor journey started.

I continued exploring this and became the co-editor of the books “London Uprising: Fifty Fashion Designers, One City” and “Fashion in LA”, which was published with Phaidon.

How did the idea of launching Fashion Trust Arabia come about?

In 2017 my book tour brought me to Jordan, where I met many young Jordanian designers who were incredible. They told me they wished something like the Fashion Trust existed in the region, and this is when the idea for FTA came to me. I realized how much talent there was in the region, and that there was a lack of support for the MENA fashion industry.

What aspects of your role as the founder and co-chair of Fashion Trust Arabia most excite you?

When I see how much designers are benefiting from it, and how grateful they are for FTA.  

What advice would you give to new and emerging fashion designers and businesses?

Have your own identity and never be afraid to stand out! Know who you are and what you stand for.

Also, please never give up!  

What are the biggest challenges you see facing fashion businesses in the MENA region over the next 2-3 years?

With the pandemic and the economic crisis, we’re facing so much uncertainty. This will affect designers world wide, not only in the MENA region. Designers will also need to focus on sustainability, find new and creative ways to apply sustainable practices in to their business models, emphasize quality and ensure they don’t overproduce.

How do you view the future of Fashion Trust Arabia?

FTA will always be highlighting new designers in the MENA region, while also supporting and shedding light on the fashion industry in the region. FTA is a bridge between East and West.  

How has this year’s pandemic affected the work of Fashion Trust Arabia?

As was the case with everyone, we tried our best to adapt to the situation. The 2020 FTA Prize took place over Zoom, as the physical event was canceled at the last minute. The lack of human contact was incredibly challenging. Back in 2019, we were able to give the winners mentorship trips to New York and London, where they met with some of the industry’s leading experts and benefited from international exposure. The designers are always looking forward to meeting and receiving advice in person from our Judges and Advisory Board members. I remember Pierpaolo Piccioli gave one of our winners invaluable advice that had an incredible impact on his whole career.  

What do you think it is that makes fashion in our region unique?

The designers in the region are very sustainable. They’re not mass producers, and many of them still use handmade techniques in most of their collections. They encourage local production. For example, Salim Azzam hires women from the Chouf region in the mountains of Lebanon who specialize in old embroidery techniques. I think that’s incredible.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?

When Her Highness Sheikha Mozah entrusted me to be co-chair of FTA along with her daughter Sheikha Al-Mayassa.

There is so much uncertainty these days, what do you recommend to do in order to stay positive?

Do less but do it well. Be positive and remember that persistence is key.

What advice do you wish you had received in the beginning of your journey to success?

Not everyone means well! 

Describe a typical day in the life of Tania Fares

I always start my day with 20 minutes of meditation. When I’m London, I’m between Little House and Soho House, with back-to-back meetings. When I’m in the Middle East, I’m always at the office with my team. And when I’m in LA, I’m also at the office in San Vicente.

What's #1 on your wishlist of travel destinations? 

Japan.

If you could do anything else for a living, what would it be and why?

I’m very happy doing what I’m doing.

Who are your top three designers to watch right now?

The region is so full of talent it’s impossible to choose just three designers. Please keep an eye on the FTA finalists andwinners – they’re all incredible.

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