She’s Next in Fashion
Empowered by Visa, in partnership with National Bank of Kuwait
Your vision. Your designs. Your next chapter.
Your vision. Your designs. Your next chapter.
Calling female fashion designers and emerging fashion entrepreneurs across Kuwait.
Show us your creativity and business ambition for the chance to win funding, mentorship and an exclusive fashion masterclass in New York City with the renowned Reem Acra.
$45k in grants to be won.
Applications open 30 October – 7 December 2026.
Power. Poise. Progress.
Power. Poise. Progress.
Create an original capsule collection inspired by the strength of women through the themes of Power, Poise and Progress.
Your designs should feel confident and contemporary, while drawing inspiration from Kuwaiti culture and heritage.
We’re looking for designers who can combine a strong creative vision with the ambition to build a successful fashion business.
Submitted designs must be original and must not have been previously produced or commercially launched.
Five Finalists
Five Finalists
From all eligible applications, five designers will be selected as finalists to move forward in the She’s Next in Fashion journey.
Finalists will receive group mentorship with Shouq AlMarzook, and pitch training before presenting their produced capsule designs and business vision at the final event.
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What Could You Win?
What Could You Win?
Grand Prize
$20K Grand Prize Winner + an exclusive masterclass with Reem Acra in New York
Second Prize Winner
$15K grant
To support the next stage of your fashion business.
People’s Favourite
$10K grant
The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist.
The Grand Prize Winner will travel to New York City for an exclusive masterclass and private meet-and-greet with Reem Acra and her team, alongside a curated three-night stay. The New York experience includes business-class flights, accommodation in Manhattan, private transportation, curated dining experiences and concierge support.
Meet your Fashion mentor — Shouq AlMarzook
Meet your Fashion mentor — Shouq AlMarzook
The five finalists will join Shouq AlMarzook for an exclusive group mentorship session focused on what it takes to start, build and grow a successful fashion business in Kuwait and beyond.
Who Can Apply?
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you are:
18 years or older
18 years or older
Living in Kuwait
Living in Kuwait
The creator and owner of the designs you submit
The creator and owner of the designs you submit
Whether you’re developing your first collection or already building your own fashion brand, we want to hear from you.
What Are We Looking For?
What Are We Looking For?
Applications will be evaluated across four areas:
Ready to Show Us What’s Next?
Ready to Show Us What’s Next?
Bring us your creativity, ambition and vision.
Power. Poise. Progress.
Applications close 7 December 2026.
Partners and Sponsors
Partners and Sponsors
Find out more about the organization making She’s Next possible.
National Bank of Kuwait
Established in 1952 as the first bank and shareholding company in the Gulf region, NBK has always been a pioneer. In keeping with NBK’s aim to empower and create a community of female leaders, their most recent project – NBK Rise, engaged, inspired and motivated women across all sectors. As part of their ongoing effort to support women and in collaboration with NBK, they are pleased to announce the launch of “She’s Next” campaign that offers women entrepreneurs in the Middle East an amazing opportunity to build and grow their small businesses.
She's Next 2022 – 2025 Previous Winners
She's Next 2022 – 2025 Previous Winners
2022
Founder and CEO of Early Riser
2025
Dr Alaa Abul, Doctor Mum
Practical Business Skills
Practical Business Skills
The Practical Business Skills program by Visa offers free educational resources and interactive tools to help business owners tart, manage and grow their small business.
