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Qatar / Culture

Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition launches, 130 brands featured

Published: 13 Dec 2021 - 08:35 am | Last Updated: 28 Dec 2021 - 11:40 am
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman H E Akbar Al Baker; Indonesian Ambassador Ridwan Hassan; and other dignitaries at the launch of the exhibition, at DECC, yesterday.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman H E Akbar Al Baker; Indonesian Ambassador Ridwan Hassan; and other dignitaries at the launch of the exhibition, at DECC, yesterday.

Joelyn Baluyut | The Peninsula

The 18th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition was officially launched yesterday led by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman H E Akbar Al Baker. A ribbon cutting was held by him signalling the opening of the 6-day event at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

A walkthrough tour was then followed where Al Baker talked to various exhibitors. He was accompanied by Qatar National Tourism Council, Deputy Chairperson, Ahmed Al Obaidi, Doha Film Institute CEO Fatma Al Remaihi, and various dignitaries including Indonesian Ambassador H E Ridwan Hassan, and Philippine Ambassador H E Alan Timbayan.

In a message, Al Baker said: “Qatar Tourism is pleased to launch the 18th edition of Heya, which welcomes talented designers from across the country and region to showcase their one-of-a-kind products and fashion lines.”

“This world-class exhibition is an important part of Qatar’s calendar of events, bringing together thousands of women to witness exclusive collections and the latest fashion innovation. I am confident visitors and residents alike will discover anew our authentic tourism experiences and service excellence in Qatar,” he added.

The opening ceremony was also marked with an introductory talk show with Al Remaihi, and Papillon Jewellery CEO and Founder Noora Al Ansari, and fashion shows from the Indonesian Embassy and Al Hasnaa Signature.

Al Remaihi spoke about the influence of costume in films. “The costume is a major part of the character. It can reflect many things such as bringing life to character. And this helps the actor how to act and present his character to the audience.”

The DFI CEO also mentioned H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser where she likened her as a “model to select fashion”.

“Sheikha Moza expresses our national costume in contemporary way. We can transform traditional attire and wear confidently in modern way and present in international event. We can showcase the Arabian fashion through a conservative and modern means and be presentable in red carpet.”

Al Ansari said that culture is essential in integrating designs to her jewellery. “Culture expresses society and society’s existence. It is a set of values and customs. We reflect heritage and show respect for the culture.”

The particular collection she was referring to is “Burwaz,” wherein it pays tribute to the fashions of Qatari women of the 1970s and 1980s. Italian Baroque mirrors were the inspiration behind the ornate frame of gold, which is decorated with diamonds, pearls, and other precious and semi-precious stones. Inside the frame, it engraved ‘Ayatul Kursai’ verses from the Qur’an onto a gold mirror-plate finish. 

The inauguration day also shed light to Indonesian and Moroccan fashion. Indonesia is among the two Asian countries participating in the exhibit, the other is India.

Speaking to The Peninsula, the Indonesia Ambassador said: “This is very good moment because today we get to showcase our design creativity, and more than this, we don’t forget our culture. We are using the traditional technique of weaving and dyeing.”

The Indonesian fashion show was dubbed “Juxtapose: When heritage meets hybrid”. One of the three designers of the show, Mel Ahyar revealed that the theme talks about two contrasting sides. “I am telling a story about old and new, past and present, modern and traditional.” The designer said her collection is a short presentation about the story of “moving on after COVID-19 pandemic”. 

Among the other two eminent fashion designers are Rinaldy Yunardi and Rumah Tenun. 

Yunardi is a millinery, fashion accessories and lighting designer. His works have been featured and worn by international celebrities including Madonna, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga. Tenun, meanwhile, represents the beauty of Palembang craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to quality and details.

Palembang is the capital of Indonesia’s South Sumatra province.

Al Hasnaa signature fashion show presented its Bridal Kaftan Collection 2022. The signature showcases luxurious and modern Moroccan kaftans. It uses the finest fabrics adorned with the finest embroidered threads and handmade gemstones to show originality and nobility in one garment.  

Visitors can shop for abayas, kaftans, dresses, gowns, accessories, cosmetics, and perfumes from 130 exhibitors and designers from 10 countries. Fashion shows, talk shows and hands-on workshop are also part of the exhibition. 

The 18th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition carries the theme “Ignite”, confirming its commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs in Qatar and the Middle East.

More than fashion, for the first time, Heya partnered with AlHosh Gallery in Msheireb Downtown, where works of local artists are displayed. 

The exhibition will run until Friday, December 17, and is open from 10am to 10pm every day, and 3pm to 10pm on Friday.