Heya fashion exhibition to begin on April 28

Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition announced returning of its eleventh edition with Islamic and Arabian fashion theme with an eclectic mix of global brands offering a variety of evening gowns and everyday accessories.

To be held under the patronage of H E Sheikha AI Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the exhibition will take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from April 28 to May 2. 

“The growth witnessed by Heya over the past several editions reflects the ongoing efforts QTA and its partners have undertaken to develop this exhibition, as part of our strategy to enhance the Business Events sector and attract more business events tourists,” said Mashal Shahbik, Director of Tourism Events and Festivals at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). 

“This year we are expecting 10,000 visitors. Last year we had 250 stalls and this year 350 stalls will be installed. Four international countries will participate Heya’s eleventh edition which includes Japan, Spain, Portugal and Germany,” she told The Peninsula. 

The five-day fashion exhibition will present an array of abayas, kaftans, jalabiyas, veils, gowns, among other fashion pieces. This year for the first time, families are invited to attend the first day of the show including men who can accompany their daughters and wives, with children above the age of 13. 

The Heya 2017 edition will also bring visitors elegant and luxurious pieces to browse and buy, including kiosks of coveted leather goods, kimonos from one of Japan’s oldest textile manufacturers; Tsukamoto Group, and the latest abaya collection ‘Jeywn,’ by popular Japanese designer ERIKO.

This year a record 93 booths have been booked by Qatari designers who will display their collections. Fahd AI Obaidly will welcome guests to the daily red carpet events. 

Heya is a joint project of the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institute Gulf Region. Heya will feature two German designers. Acclaimed fashion school ESMOD, rated number 5 worldwide, will also host four fashion workshops, enabling visitors to learn how to design creative modest fashion wear.

Isra Mohammed Abl, Official speaker of Design Creationz told The Peninsula: “This year we are bringing culture of fifteen countries culture together under one roof. Eight workshops will be held during the exhibition in presences of representatives from four embassies. The first day will be open for families. We are extremely proud of variety of Qatari design participation, the expansion into leather accessories, ESMOD’s expertise, as well as the four foreign delegations presenting new designers.”

Maryam Mohammed Al Darwish, a Qatari Designer participating in Heya said: “Last year I showcased my Indian designs which were a combination of old and modern. This year my collection has a theme of a girl’s story. The glimpse of my collection will be showcased on my Instagram account.”