Qatar-based entrepreneurs, designers and models pose with Gills Manjulakshmi (seventh right) who hosted ‘Creative Fashion Forces by Women’.
Doha: Marking the Women’s Month [in March], some successful stories of collaboration between women entrepreneurs and designer brands in Qatar were celebrated at an exclusive event which was dubbed ‘Creative Fashion Forces by Women’.
The beautifully orchestrated event was hosted recently by Gills Manjulakshmi in collaboration with Curated by Gills, Jamila Magazine, and The Chedi Katara Hotels.
Ambitious Qatari brands which showcased at ‘Creative Fashion Forces by Women,’ were chosen based on their inspiring stories and journeys, as well as sustainable practices followed by them, including using exclusive textiles.
‘Creative Fashion Forces by Women’ aimed at connecting local women fashion entrepreneurs and celebrating their artistic flair.
During the event, ‘Curated by Gills’ – a platform in New York and Middle East committed to sharing the Middle Eastern region’s great fashion industry with rest of the world curated the Qatar’s luxury abaya brand ‘House of Deema’ - a Qatari exclusive designer brand which showcased beautiful abaya cuts and flares defining new styles.
Fashion brand ‘Aadima’ a brand which promotes sustainability practices in the high-end fashion industry providing limited editions of modest couture collections and luxury atelier Clochè Couture known for their exclusive collections made from luxury textiles brought from Spain and Italy, especially to cater Qatari women, featured luxurious collections made of organic linen and silk fabric. Clochè Couture is an extension of one of Al Shahab stores one of the first fabric businesses established in Qatar.
In an enchanting combination, Qatari jewellery designer ‘De Trove’ who specialises in designing and manufacturing gold and diamonds to design the finest jewelry and fashion brand ‘ZA COUTURE’ known for designing elegant dresses sewn with the highest quality, staged 12 looks with haute jewellery and couture styles of Middle East.
Speaking about ‘Creative Fashion Forces by Women’, the director of shows for Middle East designers at New York Fashion Week, Gills Manjulakshmi said: “I had seen a gap between great talent and the fashion industry in Qatar and the region, which needs to be addressed. Therefore, I see collaborations between unique stories of brands and classic design styles are the best way to expose their potentials to a world audience.”
Qatari entrepreneur and fashionista Amal Ameen, and Mohannad Ibrahim Bitar, who is well known in the region’s fashion industry as Mr. TIQ, were the showstoppers at the event.
In their inspirational talks they shared about the challenges they faced in their careers, and success and achievements in the industry.
As one of the leading entrepreneurs Amal Ameen spoke about the achievements of women in Qatar’s fashion industry. She also emphasized on the major factors that are instrumental for the success in the fast-growing fashion industry.
She said that designers need to have a clear vision and optimal desires for the brand. She also said that it is important for designers and entrepreneurs to keep them updated and have sound knowledge about the emerging trends in the ever-changing industry.
Mohannad Ibrahim Bitar, a Qatari-Lebanese entrepreneur and creative digital professional, was featured as the special guest speaker at the event.
He hailed ‘Creative Fashion Forces by Women,’ and emphasized that such events help to promote and celebrate the fashion entrepreneurs. He spoke about challenging aspects of the fashion industry and blogging career.
“No matter how much you twist and turn. There are no short cuts. You have to put in the work. It’s that simple,” Bitar said talking about his challenging yet inspiring journey.
‘Creative Fashion Forces by Women’ ended on a high note leaving the potential for future collaborations among designers and brands in the country.
