Heya Arabian Fashion Expo Opens

DOHA: The eighth Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition opened yesterday with 260 designers from around the world showcasing latest creations in the new Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Visitors to the week-long event can select from designs of abayas, jalabiyas, kaftans, shaylas and evening gowns displayed at 273 boutique stands on 10,000sqm exhibition space.

Fifteen designers will display creations on the catwalk daily while design gurus tackle fashion issues at the local and global levels at forums and workshops.

“The exhibition has a big difference from the previous one, with the presence of international pavilions, participants and daily forums and workshops. This is not only an exhibition but also a way to support fashion entrepreneurs,” Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Exhibitions, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), told the media at the opening. QTA and Design Creationz have organised the event which has seen more designers from the Gulf, Europe and Southeast Asia display their signature take on Arabian fashion.

“Far more than a fashion exhibition, Heya is a multi-cultural event, designed by artists and thought leaders, and woven with the thread of Islamic culture and heritage,” said Al Abdan.

Jawaher Al Kuwari, Head, Advisory Committee, Design Creationz, said Heya has seen rise in numbers and a growing interest among international participants hosting fashion-focused programmes for audiences.

Among the features of this edition are programmes by SheikhaHub World Islamic Fashion Show and Forum Series (SWIFF) and hands-on workshops by Qatar International Design Consultancy (QIDC) and Glam Your Image.

The expo, Al Kuwari said, aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Arabian fashion style. “It’s a way of celebrating the diversity of the world in which we live. Heya collections are an expression of the contemporary Muslim women’s exquisite taste.”

Sheikha Munira bint Nasser Al Misnad opened the exhibition in the presence of state officials and representatives of diplomatic missions. The opening event was followed by a fashion forum, ‘The Theory of Aesthetics: Clothing as the Ultimate Expression of Arabian Culture and Tradition’ featuring panellists including Azin Valy and Ludmila Hyman from the US and Zeina Abou Chaaban from Palestine. Today’s event will highlight a workshop by QDIC, a lecture series by Lucia Russo from Italy and a SWIFF fashion show featuring Southeast Asian fashion designers.

The expo for women is open today from 3pm to 11pm and tomorrow until Wednesday from 1pm to 11pm.

Originally published on wwwthepeninsulaqatar.com