Finalist for the Fashion Trust Arabia Award, Tara Babylon draws on her rich cultural heritage and personal experiences to reimagine the future of couture.

Tara Babylon, the British-Iraqi designer behind the cutting-edge label that bears her name, is making waves in the fashion world with her avant-garde take on eveningwear. As a finalist for the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia Award in the eveningwear category, Babylon is redefining the traditional notion of couture by infusing her work with bold colours, eclectic textures, and an unabashedly whimsical spirit.

Her designs, rooted in both her cultural heritage and her personal journey, pay homage to ancient history while pushing the boundaries of modern fashion. Babylon’s most notable inspiration is the ancient city of Babylon itself—an iconic reference point she brings to life through her inventive creations. In an interview with Arab News, she described her fascination with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which she likens to “a wondrous, magical utopian place”—a theme she skillfully weaves into her collections.

Since launching her label in 2019, Babylon has garnered a reputation for her unique use of unconventional materials, such as elastic weaves, linen blends, and hand-woven fabrics. Her striking use of colour, most notably in a plaid elastic weave fabric, and her innovative approach to familiar elements like safety pins, sets her apart in the competitive fashion landscape. This inventive use of everyday objects is more than a stylistic choice—it’s a signature nod to her formative years as a self-proclaimed “emo kid,” where safety pins were a staple accessory.

Her creative journey has taken her from her childhood in Sheffield, England, to some of the most revered institutions in fashion. After learning the craft of clothing construction in Manchester, she honed her skills at Central Saint Martins in London before receiving a full scholarship to pursue her master’s degree at Parsons in New York. It was here that she refined her avant-garde aesthetic, drawing inspiration from both her British upbringing and Iraqi heritage.

Her time working with designer Gareth Pugh, an experience she describes as “monumental,” was instrumental in shaping her vision for her own label. Interning at Pugh’s studio gave her firsthand experience of creating visually striking, boundary-pushing fashion—a hallmark of her work today.

Babylon’s craftsmanship is evident in her collaboration with artisans from Nepal and China, who help bring her intricate designs to life. Her pieces, like the intricately handwoven “carpet coat,” which gained viral fame after being worn by pop sensation Doja Cat, showcase her dedication to artisanal techniques and her desire to elevate everyday materials to luxury status.

“Doja Cat’s stylist found my piece after I graduated from Parsons and reached out to me,” Babylon recalls. “Once she wore it, it was a viral moment, and that really put my brand on the map.”

Now, as a finalist for the Fashion Trust Arabia Award, Babylon is poised to further her impact on the global fashion scene. The recognition from this platform, which celebrates designers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is particularly meaningful for Babylon, which views it as an opportunity to highlight talent from underrepresented regions.

“This platform shines a light on designers from the region, educating the world and giving us the recognition we deserve,” she says, expressing gratitude for the chance to share her vision with a global audience.

As her label continues to gain attention, Babylon remains focused on blending artistic innovation with cultural storytelling. Her whimsical reinterpretation of eveningwear is not just about aesthetics—it’s about pushing boundaries, celebrating heritage, and challenging the status quo.