(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Amna Pervaiz Rao I The Peninsula
DOHA: Featuring more than 300 brands of abayas, the glittering 13th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition opened yesterday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
The Exhibition was officially opened yesterday by Dr Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, philanthropist and supporter of education and entrepreneurship in Qatar; Jawaher Al Khuzaei, Acting Director of Communications and Marketing at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA); and representatives from Design Creationz.
The five-day exhibition which runs until Sunday, is set to bring a series of fashion-centric events showcasing the latest in Arabian and modest fashion, as well as inspiring discussions on women's empowerment in fashion and the arts.
Talking to The Peninsula, Jawaher said: 'We are proud to see two kinds of increase this year; first is an increase in Qatari brands and the second is raise in international participation which includes Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Ecuador, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. We have provided platform to people who are willing to participate and a platform for new brands to showcase their work during the exhibition.
'The exhibition comes as part of QTA's strategy to support the home-grown entrepreneurs and promote local events, in line with overall efforts to diversify Qatar's tourism products and visitor source markets, she added.
The opening day witnessed a series of fashion shows presenting a collection of abayas, jalabiyas and evening gowns by leading fashion brands from around the world, including Dilek Hanif from Turkey; Liz Cardenas and Olga Doumet from Ecuador; Romani Design from Hungary; Debaj, QLabel and Ain Line from Qatar; Maison Chic from Kuwait; Anardana from India; Kristal B from Italy and Rida Couture from Lebanon.
A forum on ‘Exploring Similarities and Differences between Arabian and Ottoman Fashion' was also led by Sandra Wilkins, head of fashion at Virginia Commonwealth University-Qatar (VCUarts Qatar); Fahad Al Obaidly, designer and artist and Dilek Hanif, renowned Turkish fashion designer.
On Thursday (today) visitors can enjoy an hour-long fashion show showcasing the latest designs by Kuwaiti brands Gold Dust and Neshel by Najeeba; as well as Louver Line, Bride Atelier, ZR Abaya and Frames Fashion from Qatar; BKIB from Italy and Nourish Kareem from Malaysia. The fashion show will begin at 6:15pm.
Guests can also participate in ‘What's In and Out on Social Media', an insightful forum by Omani influencer Areej Balushi as well as with renowned Indian Celebrity TV stars and influencers, Krystel D'Souza and Sana Khan at 7:30pm where exhibitors and visitors can meet with the Bollywood celebrities and ask questions around fashion, style and trends on social media in the fashion industry.
In addition, workshops designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs will be taking place Thursday (today) evening by industry key players, including; ‘Quick Makeup Tips' (5:00pm) by Maison de Joelle, ‘Footwear Design' by VCUarts Qatar (5:25pm), and ‘A Success Story' by Bedaya Center advising aspiring young Qatari entrepreneurs on their professional path (5:45pm).
Esraa Abel, spokesperson for Design Creationz, told The Peninsula: 'This year we have a privilege of more than 190 Qatari brands participating which shows their interest and growth in fashion field. Heya is the main platform for fashion in Doha, it provides one a platform to start your label in market. Most of the dresses are related to Ramadan and different occasions that occur during Ramadan. The amazing color schemes and fabrics are also set by the seasons.
Held under the patronage of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, the 13th edition of Heya offers shoppers and visitors an assortment of unique collections, from high-street apparel, couture and luxury, to the latest modest fashion evening gowns, leather accessories as well as perfumery and make-up. The ladies-only event is open to women and girls over 13 years old.
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