Fashion show featuring the local brand ‘Debaj’ at the opening.
Doha: Bringing together more than 250 brands under one roof, the 15th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition witnessed a grand launch yesterday with the attendance of ambassadors, fashion designers and connoisseurs and renowned fashion and lifestyle bloggers.
The five-day exhibition, which runs until Tuesday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), is set to bring a series of events showcasing the latest in Arabian and modest designs, as well as inspiring discussions on the business of fashion, the latest trends, beauty, textiles, and sustainable fashion.
Mashal Shahbik from Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) lauded Heya as “the perfect example of local events that offer an authentic Qatari experience.”
“Over the past few years, Heya has been at the forefront of the events calendar in Qatar. The exhibition is supported by QNTC as part of its efforts to empower Qatari entrepreneurs and provide them with a platform to promote their brands and to share their experiences with their counterparts in the Arab region and the world,” said Shahbik.
While thanking event partners who had contributed to Heya’s success, Shahbik said she looked forward to “more collaborations with partners from the tourism sector to offer greater diversity in local events and exciting experiences for visitors and residents alike.”
Mashal Shahbik from Qatar National Tourism Council; Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, Executive Board Member at Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Israa Mohammed Abel, Design Creationz spokesperson, during the opening of the 15th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition at DECC yesterday. Pics: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
Heya is one of the most successful exhibitions on Qatar’s calendar of events delivered by Design Creationz with the support of QNTC as part of its efforts to empower the private sector to attract and host global events.
“We are proud to have more than 250 brands participate this year, with many returning ones exemplifying what Heya stands for-a space for industry experts, leaders and entrepreneurs to collaborate and come together under one roof helping each other evolve. We are thrilled with the turnout and look forward to welcoming visitors over the next few days,” said Esraa Abel, spokesperson for Design Creationz.
The opening day saw Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) launch Qatar’s first-of-its-kind Lean Fashion Program as well as fashion shows by prominent Indian designer Suneet Varma and Qatari brand Debaj, in addition to celebrity talk with Varma, a forum on Indian textiles and sustainable fashion and a masterclass by VCUarts Qatar among others.
The opening day also showcased haute couture modest fashion from 11 participating countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, England, Sri Lanka, China, Morocco, Turkey, Belgium, and India.
Today, visitors can enjoy an array of fashion-forward events including workshops by Guerlain and Tajmeel Academy and fashion shows featuring Frames Fashion, Miss Dress and Maryam Al Darwish, among others.
Heya has brought the largest display of Arabian designers to date offering visitors an assortment of unique collections, from high-street apparel, couture and luxury, to the latest modest evening gowns, leather accessories as well as perfumery and make-up.
