Top regional designers showcase creations at Shop Qatar
The stunning Italian-inspired architecture of Al Hazm was the perfect backdrop for the opening of the week-long fashion event held yesterday as a highlight of the fourth edition of Shop Qatar, the country’s biggest shopping festival.
It was a night of spectacular parade of creations from leading regional designers including Ahmed Talfeet, Laith Maalof, Naja Saade, Amgad Al Adab, Saeed Malass and Toufic Al Hasa, Baris and homegrown designer Fahad Al Obaidly who flaunted their latest creations on the runway at the well-applauded fashion show.
From haute couture and bridal gowns to ready-to-wear evening gowns, bespoke menswear and accessories, the fashion event was a treat for Doha’s fashion savvy.
“I’m very proud and happy to participate in the fashion show during Shop Qatar festival. It’s my second time to do a fashion show in Qatar and I’m always very proud to showcase my designs here,” top Lebanese designer Naja Saade, told the media.
Saade opened the inaugural show with his exquisite collections of evening gowns and bridal wear both inspired by the woman, the former called “Spirit of the Time” while the latter “Rebirth,” mostly made of silk and handmade embroideries.
On his view of Qatar’s fashion industry, he said, “I see a lot of improvement in the fashion industry in Qatar because Qatari women know about fashion. They know what to choose and what suits them that’s why we see a lot of competition in this market, and we have to do a lot of creations and new things.”
Five more fashion shows will be hosted at Al Hazm including the Qatar debut of famous Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran this evening, “Designed by Qatar” tomorrow, “Haute couture & evening wear” and “Ready to wear” shows on Sunday and “Designed by China” on Wednesday.
Local designers who will be revealing their latest collections tomorrow include Waad, Yasmeen Mansoor, Sarmad, Shaden, Tamadar Al Sultan and Lady Ayesha will showcase their latest couture and prêt-à-porter collection along with creations by Modish, Soliel Abayas, Al Dukan, and the Black Pearl.
The haute couture & evening wear show on Sunday will showcase collections from Saiid Kobeisy, Sandra Mansour, Marco & Maria, J Mendel, Ziad Nakad, Jenny Packham and Bazzaza as well as bridal wear from Frida, Mae collection,
Demetrios and Yolancris, while the ready to wear show will unveil collections from leading brands The Row, Avaro Figlio, Alexander Terekhov, Racheal Gilbert, Dice Kayek, Blumarine, Loriz Azzaro, and Hrabal Gurong.
The week culminates with China’s most influential fashion innovators Grace Chen and Lan Yu presenting their unique approach to couture in celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Meanwhile, Al Mirqab Mall will be holding a fashion show today displaying the latest trend in children’s wear.
A major feature of Shop Qatar 2020, more than 20 leading designers from Europe, Asia and the Middle East are showcasing their Spring/Summer collections at the event.
In addition to the fashion shows, well-known names in the beauty world including Hanan Alnajadah, Dalal Al Rifai and Lady Aisha conducted master classes and workshops to packed audiences.
The 25-day shopping festival features over 30 diverse activities, weekly raffle draws with big prizes and unbeatable discounts and promotions in 12 malls and retail partners including Al Mirqab Mall, AlKhor Mall, City Centre, Doha Festival City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall, Mall of Qatar, Villaggio, The Pearl-Qatar and Galeries Lafayette.
Organised by Qatar National Tourism Council, Shop Qatar is part of efforts to energise the country’s economy by with focus on its thriving retail sector. The festival’s 2019 edition witnessed the participation of over 3,000 stores and sales vouchers worth QR58.4m.
