(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The fashion world is in mourning following the death of Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, son of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, last week. The talented designer had earned a reputation in the global fashion industry.
News of his untimely passing sparked a flood of social media posts honouring the forward-thinking designer and his fashion legacy.
Sheikh Khalid's goal had always been to create fashion with a message. He once said: "Coming from the Middle East, I have a duty to discuss politics. Fashion is my kind of material to work with and express it."
Inspired by his Arab heritage and Emirati values, Sheikh Khalid channeled his inspiration into beautiful and innovative designs. In 2008, he launched his menswear label 'Qasimi', said to be centered around the idea of an urban nomad.
Described by many as "a poetic and perceptive design mind", he had a significant impact on the fashion world. He used his collections to express his philosophic views and voice. His designs have been displayed as part of London and Paris Fashion Weeks.
His eponymous brand competed with the world's best and became a well-known and unique name in the fashion industry. With youthful designs infused with colours, his collections featured a comment on current international problems and controversies, some of them featuring Arabic messages.
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Al Qasimi's T-shirt design from his autumn/winter 2017 collection became a subject of controversy, when it was replicated by the brand Vetements on its spring/summer 2020 catwalk in Paris. The T-shirt, which read 'Don't shoot' in Arabic, French and English, was a semi-replica of one originally worn by journalists in Lebanon during the Israeli occupation invasion of the country in 1982.
Al Qasimi's designs spoke to the world's conscience, conveying a cultural, social and political message. His collections made reference to a lot of issues - from Brexit, to discrimination. "It is a time for people to stand up and voice their opinions," he had said.
Sheikh Khalid moved to London at the age of nine. He was educated at Tonbridge School, where he was awarded an art scholarship upon entry and went on to study French and Spanish at the University College London. He also completed an architecture degree at the Association School of Architecture. He spoke seven languages fluently, aside from Arabic, his mother tongue.
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