LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fashion Trust U.S. is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Omar Mir to its Board of Directors. Bringing a distinguished global background in business, philosophy, and culture, Dr. Mir joins one of American fashion's most influential platforms dedicated to fostering emerging talent.

In addition to his board appointment, Dr. Mir will serve as the driving force behind the 2027 Sustainability Award. This prestigious honor celebrates a new generation of American designers who are redefining the boundaries of responsible luxury and ethical production.

"Omar brings a rare combination of global perspective, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to the next generation," said Tania Fares, Founder of Fashion Trust U.S. "We are thrilled to welcome him to our Board and to have his support behind the Sustainability Award. He understands that the future belongs to people willing to challenge the way things have always been done, and that is exactly what these young designers are doing."

The Sustainability Award has quickly become a cornerstone of the Fashion Trust U.S. honors, recognizing visionaries who prove that high-level creativity and desirability can coexist with environmental and social responsibility. Since its introduction, the award has brought together leading voices in fashion and culture with some of American design's most exciting emerging talent: Laura Brown presented the 2024 award to Batsheva Hay of Batsheva; Kate Hudson presented the 2025 honor to Nana Kwame Adusei of Kwame Adusei; and Jodie Turner-Smith presented the 2026 award to Maxwell Osborne and Kristy Chen of AnOnlyChild

"The most exciting ideas often begin with someone willing to imagine what doesn't exist yet," said Dr. Omar Mir. "Fashion has always possessed that power. Sustainability asks us to go further and imagine not only what is beautiful, but what is possible. I am honored to join the Board of Fashion Trust U.S. and to support a generation of designers with the courage to shape the future of the industry."

ABOUT FTUS

Fashion Trust U.S. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting the next generation of U.S.-based emerging fashion designers. Launched in 2022 with its first Award Gala in 2023, the Fashion Trust U.S. initiative provides financial support and fashion industry mentorships to promising designers across the U.S.

Founded by Tania Fares, her vision began in 2011 with the launch of the British Fashion Council's Fashion Trust in the U.K., which she led for a decade. Tania now serves as co-chair of the British Fashion Council (BFC) Foundation.

Each year, winners receive financial grant funding and a one-year intensive mentorship covering budgeting, brand strategy, marketing, social media optimization, merchandising, and overall business growth. As part of the program, each winner is also flown to London to take part in the British Fashion Council's Fashion Trust initiative, an immersive mentorship experience designed to help scale fashion businesses. There, designers are connected with respected industry voices, who generously share their insights, experience, and strategies for long-term success. It's a strong network and community that embodies the true spirit of Fashion Trust.

U.S.-based designers in the categories of Ready-to-Wear, Jewelry, Accessories, as well as recent fashion school Graduates, are invited to apply during the open application period from June through end of November. Applications are free to submit via our website. Eligible designers are required to be in business between two to seven years.

ABOUT DR. OMAR MIR 

Dr. Omar Mir is a global business leader, academic, and philanthropist whose work intersects technology, culture, and social empowerment.

A recognized expert in the global technology ecosystem, Dr. Mir serves as the Advisor on AI and Advanced Technology to The King's Trust International founded by HM King Charles III and as Chief Digital Advisor to HM Princess Royal Anne's Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA UK). His academic contributions include serving on the Imperial College Business School London Advisory Board and holding an appointment as Honorary Visiting Professor. He also serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and is a member of their Honour Guard.

Dr. Mir's philanthropic efforts are centered on expanding opportunity for youth. Beyond his role with The King's Trust International, he has provided personal support to over 50,000 children via educational initiatives and holds board or advisory roles with the American Ballet Theatre, Holocaust Museum LA and WeProtect.

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Sandro Brotz kehrt dem Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen den Rücken und wechselt Anfang 2027 zur Boulevardzeitung «Blick». Der 56-jährige Journalist, derzeit Moderator und stellvertretender Leiter der Polit-Talksendung «Arena», wird SRF Ende Januar 2027 verlassen. Bis voraussichtlich Mitte Januar führt er weiterhin durch die «Arena». Beim zum Ringier-Konzern gehörenden «Blick» soll Brotz einen neuen Video-Podcast aufbauen und moderieren, der mehrmals pro Woche Themen aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft aufgreift.

Der Schritt markiert das Ende einer knapp 15-jährigen SRF-Ära für Brotz. Seit seinem Wechsel nach Leutschenbach im Juni 2012 prägte er zunächst als Moderator der investigativen Sendung «Rundschau» das Programm, später zusätzlich als Gastgeber des «Rundschau Talk». 2019 übernahm er schliesslich die «Arena» von Jonas Projer. Als Grund für den Wechsel nennt Brotz die Möglichkeit, bei «Blick» ein neues Format mitzuentwickeln und damit über die Rolle des klassischen Moderators hinauszugehen. Ganz neu ist das Ringier-Umfeld für ihn nicht: Vor seiner SRF-Zeit war er bereits unter anderem stellvertretender Chefredaktor des «SonntagsBlick».

Der Abgang von Brotz wirft bei SRF unmittelbar die Nachfolgefrage auf. Als Topfavorit galt zuletzt sein Kollege Mario Grossniklaus, der seit 2024 einmal im Monat die «Arena» moderiert und damit Brotz entlastet. Der 49-Jährige hat dieser Spekulation nun jedoch eine klare Absage erteilt. Auf Linkedin schrieb Grossniklaus, er werde sich nicht auf die Nachfolge seines «geschätzten Kollegen» bewerben. Stattdessen wolle er sich auf seine Aufgaben in der Wahlleitung von SRG und SRF konzentrieren – eine Funktion, die er als «grösste und spannendste Aufgabe» seiner bisherigen Karriere bezeichnet.

Mit der Absage von Grossniklaus bleibt offen, wer Brotz ab etwa Mitte Januar beerben wird. SRF verweist darauf, man wolle sich vorerst auf eine geordnete Übergabe der «Arena» konzentrieren. Der Wechsel von Brotz reiht sich ein in eine Serie prominenter Abgänge von SRF in Richtung Dufourstrasse: Bereits zuvor hatten unter anderem Reto Scherrer, Steffi Buchli, Christine Maier, Hannes Britschgi und der frühere «Arena»-Moderator Jonas Projer den Schritt zum Ringier-Konzern gewagt. Die Motive reichen von besseren Angeboten bis hin zum Wunsch, den eigenen Namen in neuen Rollen und Formaten zu positionieren – mit sehr unterschiedlichem Ausgang.