Qatari Fashion: Scaling new heights

By Fazeena Saleem

Fashion wear trends are always existing through various cycles. It is not often that people";s desire for fashion trends remains the same and Qatari women are not an exception, says a young Qatari designer Aisha Al Mutawaa.

'The taste of Qatari women for fashion is high and demanding and it makes designing clothes a challenge,” she said.

'Fashion is not something new among Qatari women, they always knew the trends. It was just there was no such industry here. However, the expanding local fashion design industry help meet the demands. Before they had to compromise with clothes made by European or Asian taste but now they get what they want and most Qatari women prefer a Qatari designer,” Aisha said while preparing to launch her latest collection at the ninth Heya Arabian fashion exhibition.

Qatar";s leading fashion exhibition Heya will be back on June 2, bringing exquisite Arabian designs that capture the latest fashion trends.

Aisha, the chief executive office at Nero Line made her debut at the seventh Heya which she claims as a good beginning. She will introduce a bridal and Eid collection at the upcoming exhibition. 'Being a designer one can never reach to taste. It varies from person to person, occasion, age and many other factors,” said Aisha who aspires to become an international designer.

Fashion enthusiasts, designers, industry experts and visitors will come together at Heya over the course of five days of daily fashion shows, hands-on workshops and high-level fashion forums led by international industry experts.

Heya features authentic Arabian fashion designs of abayas, kaftans, veils, jalabiyas, shaylas, and evening gowns from more than 200 talented designers worldwide.

This groundbreaking exhibition has become the premier event in the traditional Arabian fashion calendar, and the only occasion in Doha that showcases more than 200 exhibitors at its ninth edition. 'The exhibition is amazing, I love it and amazed how it has helped as a platform for the beginners. I think it";s one of a kind in Doha,” said Jawaher Al Kuwari, Board Member of Qatar Women";s Association.

She is also the owner of Jo La Mode, a multi-brand boutique specialising in abayas. Speaking about fashion trends she said, 'The trends of abayas are changing in a very dramatic way. You can";t imagine the things you see now and then.”

However, she invites budding female Qatari designers to enter the industry with courage.

With over 7,500 square metres in its new downtown location at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, Heya will showcase designers from across Europe, the Gulf, and South East Asia to a growing audience of over 15,000 visitors.

Among the exhibitors at the ninth Heya, 24.5 percent will be Qatari, 16.5 percent be from the UAE, 14.5 percent from Saudi Arabia, 10.5 percent from Kuwait, 8.5 percent from Bahrain and one percent will be international designers.

With the new offerings, Heya confirms its position as the premier platform for individuals eager to return for another week of stunning Arabian fashion.

Heya is Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in partnership with Design Creationz. Design Creationz is a fashion-focused event management and marketing company based in Doha.

The company is entirely run by women and was established in 2012 as an initiative to support and encourage female designers and female entrepreneurs. The company";s goal is to support female entrepreneurship in the fashion industry and to help and inspire them to build a powerful reputation for their brands.

The owner of Design Creationz said, 'We can";t wait for the launch of the ninth edition of Heya. This event is certainly going to live up to its reputation as Qatar";s biggest and most popular showcase of traditional Arabic attire. We were thrilled to give the attendees a sneak-peak of the preparations and be able to network with various representatives of the fashion industry. It is truly an honour to be supporting creative minds and fashion entrepreneurs alike.”

Following the grand opening of the ninth Heya on this Thursday, the exhibition will be open between 3pm and 11pm on Friday and 10am and 10pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The Peninsula