Q RISING: A new chapter for emerging designers arrives in Mumbai this March

In a world where fashion evolves at lightning speed, a groundbreaking platform is stepping in to shape its future. Q RISING, launching in Mumbai this March, brings emerging designers a transformative mix of mentorship, innovation, and the global spotlight they need to define the next era of fashion. Following its successful debut in 2023 and an activation at Lagos Fashion Week in October 2024, Q RISING is now preparing to expand its mission, offering unparalleled opportunities for designers to thrive.

The Vision Behind Q RISING

Rooted in the legacy of its parent brand, QASIMI, the British-Arab fashion label redefining global style, Q RISING was launched in 2023 by Hoor Al Qasimi, the sister of QASIMI’s late founder, Khalid Al Qasimi. As a Talent Incubator, Q RISING supports designers from the Global South with funding, mentorship, and global exposure. True to QASIMI's philosophy of transcending fashion as commerce, Q RISING fosters a culturally inclusive and forward-thinking design community.

The programme provides selected designers with three years of funding (equivalent to six seasons) and an additional seven years of mentorship. Designers also gain access to resources in production, product development, merchandising, marketing, and strategic business support, guided by industry leaders.

What to Expect in Mumbai

The two-day activation in Mumbai (March 12–13, 2025) promises an immersive experience designed to empower emerging designers with knowledge and connections to shape their future. On the first day, select designers will engage in personalised, one-on-one mentorship sessions with industry veterans. These sessions will be tailored to address individual needs, tackling essential questions such as how to build a brand from the ground up, navigate the complexities of global markets, and remain true to their cultural roots while pushing creative boundaries.

The second day broadens the perspective with thought-provoking industry talks that delve into critical issues shaping the future of fashion. Topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and the evolving relationship between fashion and its consumers will be explored in depth. These discussions aim to equip designers, industry professionals, and the fashion community as a whole, with the insights and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing industry, offering them a roadmap to contribute meaningfully to fashion’s ongoing evolution.

A Global Perspective

Q RISING is more than a mentorship programme; it’s a global platform that nurtures local talent and connects them to a worldwide network. This global reach ensures that emerging designers gain the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to redefine fashion on their terms.

While activations like the one in Mumbai provide valuable insights and networking opportunities, it’s important to note that participation in these events does not guarantee selection for the Talent Incubator program. Applications for the next cohort will open in the summer of 2025, with final selections to be announced in March 2026.

The Q RISING Impact

From its inaugural Award Ceremony in Sharjah in 2023, where Omer Asim and Salim Azzam emerged as winners, to its Lagos activation that hosted workshops and talks by regional experts, Q RISING has demonstrated its commitment to empowering designers through education and opportunity.

In collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar India, the Mumbai activation continues this journey, promising to inspire and connect designers while showcasing what the Talent Incubator program offers.

Join the Movement

Are you ready to shape the future of fashion? Apply now to take part in Q RISING:

https://xurl.in/q-rising

Entries open till 23rd February, 2025

(Scan the QR code below for direct access)

Save the Date: March 12–13, 2025; A two-day convergence of innovation, mentorship, and global fashion.

 

Credits

Photographer: Arsh Sayed @arsh_sayed

Photo Assistant: Roshan Paul @mottonbiryani 

Creative Director & Styling: Akshay Tyagi @thetyagiakshay

Fashion Assistants: Riddhi Jain & Srishti Bhawsingka

BTS: Clyde D’Silva @clydedd

HMU: Nitu Tamang @nitutamang145

HMU Assistant: Upasana Chhetri @upasana.chh__ 

Models: Feat Artists @featartists Meedhanika , Gaurav | Ninjas Models @ninjasmodels Neeraj Saini 

Production: Imran Khatri Productions @ikp.insta 

Producer: Imran Khatri @imran_khatri

IKP Team: Aaliyah Ladhani @aaliyahladhanii | Radhika Chemburkar @radhikachemburkar | Pawan Yadav