Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition will return for its 14th edition this month with a rich display of more than 230 local, regional and international fashion brands, including over 170 brands from Qatar. Held under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the show will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from 26 to 30 October.
Representing a 65% increase in local designers from the previous Autumn/Winter 2017 edition, this highly-anticipated event is a showcase of local, Pan-Arab and international designers, catering to a growing demand for modest and Islamic styles in a fashion forward market.
Representations from at least fourteen countries already confirmed to join the fashion event, including neighbouring Kuwait and Oman as well as India, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Italy, Morocco, Hongkong, Lebanon, China, Spain, Belgium, and the US, in addition to Qatar. Numerous fashion shows, workshops and conversations with fashion icons are also woven into this edition, continuing its legacy of collaborations with partners like Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ) and Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC).
Exhibitors and visitors will also be treated to a conversation with Sheikha Asma Al Thani, who recently made history by becoming the first Qatari to ski to the North Pole. Sheikha Asma will talk about her journey in an exclusive forum designed to empower Qatari women.
Haven for Fashion Shopping
Heya will offer shoppers and visitors an assortment of unique collections, from high-street apparel, couture and luxury, to the latest modest fashion evening gowns, leather accessories as well as perfumery and make-up. With its unique flavour of Arabian heritage, the Autumn/Winter 2018 show will see returning brands as well as a host of new brands from Qatar, Kuwait and India.
A dedicated US pavilion will feature world renowned celebrity designer, Tosca New York. Tosca New York creates custom clothing for elegant women, with individual patterns made for each customer, and their glamorous evening gowns worn by international clientele all over the world. The brand has dressed international opera stars like Susan Graham, Renee Fleming, Deborah Voigt and Pretty Yende. Performers like Aretha Franklin and Leslie Uggams have also worn Tosca’s gowns on stage and television.
Another highlight at Heya this year will be the two dedicated pavilions for Spain and Belgium. Designers participating from Spain include Antonia Serena, Bouret, Lucia de Miguel and Inunez, while Alter Era will bring their unique designs straight from Belgium.
Empowering the Private Sector
Heya is delivered by Design Creationz and supported by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), to empower the private sector to attract and host global events. Jawaher Al Khuzaei, Acting Director of Communications and Marketing at QTA, said that supporting local exhibitions and conferences forms an important part of their business strategy, which seeks to position Qatar as a premium destination for business events.
Heya’s growth over the years from a homegrown exhibition venue, to a regional hub for budding and established designers demonstrates Qatar’s ability to provide the facilities, the organisational prowess and the climate for such gatherings to thrive.’
Design Creationz spokesperson Esraa Abel said the show this year is the most diverse it has ever been, with designers from countries that were not represented before, such as Belgium and the US.
We have also dedicated a larger portion of the exhibition space to local talent, with more than 170 brands participating from Qatar alone, marking a 65% increase from the previous Autumn/Winter show in 2017.’
For this year’s edition, Heya has focused on providing marketing and expert opportunities for aspiring Qatari designers, including an educational partnership with QBIC, to enroll designers in the incubation centre and to offer advice on how to navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business.
New Partnership
The 14th edition of Heya will also feature a new partnership with Tajmeel, Qatar International Beauty Academy (QIBA). Tajmeel was founded in 2009 by Nama (formerly known as the Social Development Centre – SDC). With Nama’s support, Tajmeel was established to provide training courses in the beauty industry. Tajmeel will lead a series of workshops throughout the exhibition including a make-up demo, what works and what doesn’t in skincare and a dedicated workshop on hairstyles.
Tajmeel Principal Beverley Crowther, said that Tajmeel’s purpose is to structure and foster the beauty industry, locally.
Heya is open for women only except on the opening day, 26 October, when men can accompany family members. Children below 13 years old cannot enter the exhibition. Visit heya.qa for more information or download the Heya mobile app and easily navigate brands and goods on offer.
Related Link: https://marhaba.qa/event/heya-arabian-fashion-exhibition-4/
