DOHA: The important role art and fashion plays in bridging cultures together was the focus of ‘The Bridge that Unites Us’, a panel discussion and fashion show at the Amphitheatre at the Pearl-Qatar as part of the second annual Discover America Week — Qatar 2016.
The panel featured Jawaher Al Kuwari, Board Member, Qatar Women’s Association; Azin Valy, Designer, architect and global explorer; Sandra Wilkins, Chair, Fashion Design, Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar; Razan Suliman, Owner and Founder, Fanilla Couture; and Moderator Maryam Al Subaiey, Founder, Q-Talent.
“It’s impressive and inspiring to see the level of passion and entrepreneurial spirit in Qatar, which was on full display during the panel discussion featuring Qatar’s young talent. The camaraderie and connections made among the US and Qatari designers was exactly the type of networking opportunities American Chamber of Commerce hoped to achieve with Discover America Week this year,” said Theresa Backus Dunn, Executive Director of the chamber in Qatar.
US Ambassador Dana Shell Smith; Ibtihaj Alahmadani, Chairperson, Qatar Business Women Forum at the chamber; Sheikha Noor bint Jassim Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson, Qatar Business Women Forum; Buthaina Al Ansari, Senior HR Director, Ooredoo; and Dana Al Fardan, CEO, DNA Records.
“We were so delighted to have this amazing event as part of Discover America Week. Fashion is a bridge that unites cultures and a $1.7trn industry creating more than 75m jobs worldwide,” said Smith.
The forum was followed by a star-studded fashion show, presenting collections from Debaj Collection, Qatar; D’Oro, Qatar; Citizen by Azin, US; Papillon Jewellery, Qatar; and The Closet, which showcased two American designer brands.
“It was an honour to take part in the event and the Design Creationz (DCz) team is humbled and thankful for the opportunity given to us. The event would not be possible without support of our sponsors and partners,” said Michelle Denenjon Smethurst, Owner and International GM, DCz.
Sponsors and partners included United Development Company, Etihad, Shangri-La, Fouj Café, Trinity Talent, Chic & Posh, GRAPE, Blue Rubicon, Kérastase and Magnolia.The Peninsula
