UNIDO's "Creative Jordan" Empowers Textile Value Chain, Celebrates Winners of KHAYT Fashion Design Competition Finale

Amman – Funded by the Italian government, KHAYT Fashion Design Competition Finale, a flagship event under "Creative Jordan” project, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the Garment Design & Training Services Center (GSC), concluded the first round of Spring/Summer collection. This remarkable event not only showcased the Spring/Summer outfits designed by nine talented designers in 2023, but also aimed to support Jordan's textile value chain, generating employment opportunities, and fostering economic growth in Jordan.

Distinguished speakers, including Eng. Sulafa Mdanat, the Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Jordan, H.E. Mr. Luciano Pezzotti, Ambassador of Italy to Jordan, Mr. Emilio Cabasino, the Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Amman, and Eng. Jumana Kilani from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, delivered opening remarks, setting the tone for an evening of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Their presence highlighted the significance of supporting the textile industry to drive economic opportunities in Jordan.

The runway showcase segment commenced with an introduction of the event theme and goals. The competition rules and judging criteria were briefly explained, setting the stage for the nine designers to present their extraordinary creations. Each participant had a designated time slot to captivate the audience with their unique outfits. The runway showcase demonstrated the exceptional talent and vision of the designers.

A side event featured insightful speeches by Dr. Jinjiang Yan, project manager at UNIDO HQ, who shared the remarkable outcomes of the project and announced the opening of the textile hub established at GSC. Dr. Yan expressed gratitude to donors partners, participants, and attendees, recognizing their indispensable support in making the event a resounding success. Eng. Ihab Qadri, the representative of the leather and garment industries sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, and Mr. Hassan Nsour, Acting CEO of the Garment Design & Training Services Center (GSC), shared their insights and experiences related to the fashion and textile industry. Engaging the audience through a Q&A session, the speakers fostered dialogue and encouraged interaction, contributing to the enrichment of the event.

The highly anticipated Award Ceremony celebrated the exceptional talents of the participating designers. At the end of the event Sanaa Mohammad was announced as the winner of this round of the competition in various categories, such as Best Design, Most Innovative, and others, highlighting his/her exemplary contributions to the fashion competition. The deserving winners were presented with prestigious awards and offered congratulatory remarks and were able to share their joy and gratitude.

Guided by the transformative concept of upcycling, Sanaa ingeniously breathed new life into the surplus fabric that amassed within factories. With meticulous craftsmanship, she seamlessly repurposed and redesigned these remnants, harmoniously blending elements of the past and present. The invaluable lessons passed down from our ancestors resurfaced as she artfully incorporated traditional patchwork techniques, reminiscent of the time-honored quilts and blankets crafted by generations before her.

Inspired by the splendor of mosaics, Sanaa saw how small fragments, when woven together, could birth breathtaking artistic masterpieces. Drawing from this realization, her designs emerged as a testament to environmental conservation and the profound impact of reducing waste in the fashion industry. Each garment radiated a harmonious blend of elegance and sustainability, exemplifying the beauty that can be found in repurposed fabric.

From this transformative concept, a remarkable capsule collection emerged—a manifestation of Sanaa's unwavering commitment to reviving discarded fabrics. What could have easily been consigned to landfills or burned became a captivating symphony of unique and feminine pieces, brimming with timeless charm.

KHAYT fashion design competition, as part of the “Supporting the Textile Value Chain to Create Employment and Economic Opportunities in Jordan” project under the name “Creative Jordan”, made a significant impact in supporting Jordan's textile value chain by providing employment opportunities and contributing to the economic growth of the country. The event celebrated the creativity and talent of the participating designers, recognizing their role as catalysts for innovation and change in the fashion industry.