Al Baker said: “Qatar Tourism is pleased to launch the 18th edition of Heya, which welcomes talented designers from across the country and region to showcase their one-of-a-kind products and fashion lines.”
The official launch of the 18th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition took place on Sunday, December 12. The six-day event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center was inaugurated by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman HE Akbar Al Baker.
On a tour of the exhibition, Al Baker talked to various exhibitors and designers. He was accompanied by Qatar National Tourism Council, Deputy Chairperson, Ahmed Al Obaidi, Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Al Remaihi, and various dignitaries including Indonesian Ambassador H E Ridwan Hassan, and Philippine Ambassador H E Alan Timbayan.
Al Baker said: “Qatar Tourism is pleased to launch the 18th edition of Heya, which welcomes talented designers from across the country and region to showcase their one-of-a-kind products and fashion lines.”
He added: “This world-class exhibition is an important part of Qatar’s calendar of events, bringing together thousands of women to witness exclusive collections and the latest fashion innovation.”
Following the launch introductory talk shows were given by Al Remaihi, and Papillon Jewellery CEO and Founder Noora Al Ansari together with colourful fashion shows by the Indonesian Embassy and Al Hasnaa Signature.
Al Remaihi spoke about the influence of costume in films. “The costume is a major part of the character. It can reflect many things such as bringing life to character. And this helps the actor how to act and present his character to the audience.”
The DFI CEO also mentioned H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser: “Sheikha Moza expresses our national costume in contemporary way. We can transform traditional attire and wear it confidently in a modern way and present in international event. We can showcase the Arabian fashion through a conservative and modern means and be presentable on red carpet.”
Noora Al Ansari said culture is essential in integrating designs into her jewellery. “Culture expresses society and society’s existence. It is a set of values and customs. We reflect heritage and show respect for the culture.”
The particular collection she was referring to is “Burwaz,” wherein it pays tribute to the fashions of Qatari women of the 1970s and 1980s. Italian Baroque mirrors were the inspiration behind the ornate frame of gold, which is decorated with diamonds, pearls, and other precious and semi-precious stones. Inside the frame, are engraved ‘Ayatul Kursai’ verses from the Qur’an onto a gold mirror-plate finish.
The inauguration day also shed light on Indonesian and Moroccan fashion. Indonesia is among the two Asian countries participating in the exhibit, the other is India.
Speaking to The Peninsula, the Indonesia Ambassador said: “This is very good moment because today we get to showcase our design creativity, and more than that, we don’t forget our culture. We are using the traditional technique of weaving and dyeing.”
Al Remaihi spoke about the influence of costume in films. “The costume is a major part of the character. It can reflect many things such as bringing life to character. And this helps the actor how to act and present his character to the audience.”
The Indonesian fashion show was dubbed “Juxtapose: When heritage meets hybrid”. One of the three designers of the show, Mel Ahyar revealed that the theme talks about two contrasting sides. “I am telling a story about old and new, past and present, modern and traditional.” The designer said her collection is a short presentation about the story of “moving on after COVID-19 pandemic”.
The other two fashion designers at the event are Rinaldy Yunardi and Rumah Tenun.
Al Hasnaa signature fashion show presented its Bridal Kaftan Collection 2022. The signature showcases luxurious and modern Moroccan kaftans. It uses the finest fabrics adorned with the finest embroidered threads and handmade gemstones to show originality and nobility in one garment.
Visitors can shop for abayas, kaftans, dresses, gowns, accessories, cosmetics, and perfumes from 130 exhibitors and designers coming from 10 countries.
The exhibition will run until Friday, December 17, and is open from 10am to 10pm every day, and 3pm to 10pm on Friday.
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