Qatari designers' creations to go on show at Heya
Date
5/28/2016 9:50:26 PM
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Participants at a previous exhibition.
By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: The ninth edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition (Heya) will see a significant number of Qatari designers next week in Doha, according to organisers.
The much anticipated fashion event in the country will feature 216 designers and 24.5 percent of them are from Qatar.
Heya attracts exhibitors from across the GCC and beyond. It features an array of Gulf-designed clothes and accessories. Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in partnership with Design Creationz, the event will be held between June 2 and June 6 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). To support and promote established and upcoming local and Khaliji designers, fashion enthusiasts are offered daily fashion shows, hands-on workshops as well as fashion forums led by industry experts.
Among the exhibitors, 16.5 percent will be from the UAE, 14.5 percent from Saudi Arabia, 10.5 percent from Kuwait, 8.5 percent from Bahrain and one percent from the rest of the world.
The creations by some reputed Gulf designers were showcased at an exclusive preview of Heya on Thursday. The networking event held in the lead up to Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, brought together female fashion enthusiasts, designers, businesswomen, exhibitors, and fashion bloggers. The event sought to offer a networking platform for fashion-conscious women, including designers, exhibitors and entrepreneurs, to discuss the latest design trends and find business opportunities.
“It has a potential to empower new businesswomen into the industry. They are giving a good chance for women to enter the field,” Jawaher Al Kuwari, Board Member of Qatar Women’s Association, said.
She is also the owner of Jo La Mode, a multi-brand boutique specialising in abayas.
Elizabeth Reiss, Brand Manager, Debaj said, “Quite simply ‘Heya’ is in a class of its own and as a fashion enthusiast and exhibitor at Heya, I was privileged to meet up with designers, entrepreneurs and other industry experts and share ideas and new trends. “I found it a great platform for networking.”
Heya has also debuted several Qataris female designers at its past events and created a platform for their business.
Aisha Al Mutawaa, Chief executive office of Nero Line lounged her designs at the seventh edition of Heya and she will be showcasing a more comprehensive collection next week.
“It gave me a good beginning. At this Heya I will be introducing an exclusive wedding collection and new designs for Eid,” she said.
In addition to networking events, ‘Heya’ organisers are running several side-events in the lead up to the opening of the main exhibition.
A GCC roadshow to showcase the exhibition to regional exhibitors and designers has visited Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait.
The Peninsula