Themed “Ignite, the event was organised by Qatar Tourism and QBEC in partnership with leading entities from the public and private sectors, contributing to deliver a successful version.
Stakeholders and partners from across the fashion, beauty, entrepreneurship, and education sectors partnered with this edition of Heya to present interactive sessions on a variety of topics, to inspire and educate up-and-coming designers and entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship partner Bedaya had two speakers in a panel discussion titled “Finding your Way in Fashion,” in addition to a dedicated booth for Bedaya start-ups operating in the fashion and design sectors.
Highlighting their participation, Bedaya Centre general manager Hamad al-Qahtani said: “Over the years, this event has successfully showcased 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.
“Our participation in the exhibition is in line with our objective to empower entrepreneurs with new opportunities and acknowledge them as powerful drivers of economic development.”
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) in Qatar, the exhibition’s Education Partner, showcased modest fashion collections by three alumni and two faculty members in two booths.
The university also took part in two fashion shows and two panel discussions “The role of nanotechnology in future textiles and high fashion” and “Circular Fashion in Qatar” on the opening day of the exhibition.
“VCUarts Qatar's fashion design department has been included in every edition of Heya since its inception and we were pleased once again to be included. At VCUarts Qatar we embrace modest fashion design in our programme and Heya provides us the opportunity to engage with the modest community in the MENA region in a most rewarding and meaningful manner,” Christopher Q Fink, chair associate professor from the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising, VCUarts, said.
For the first time, AlHosh Gallery participated in the exhibition as an Exclusive Gallery Partner, with the work of local artists presented at their booth, in addition to their participation in a fashion show and a panel discussion.
“Our participation included 20 unique pieces ranging from wearable fashion to art- fashion installations designed by Sara al-Ansari of Vintage Couture Line, Lorena Morell, Maryam al-Sada artist and designer, Fatima al-Baker. These talented artists and designers’ inspiration for this edition was to infuse traditional wear with modern artistic designs on various materials.
“We welcomed Heya audiences to meet and greet the designers for fashion talks on how to incorporate and style various apparel to their wardrobe collections and enjoy the vibrant ambiance at the exhibition,” AlHosh Gallery director Ghanim al-Ghanim said.
“Art and Culture are essential for the wellbeing of a sustainable society. We at AlHosh Gallery believe artistic designs can be fashionable, wearable, and modest,” Ghanim added.
Printemps Doha participated in this edition of Heya as Luxury Fashion Partner. Besides its booth displaying the chronological history of the luxury brand, they participated in two panel discussions entitled “The Role of Fashion in Women’s Empowerment” and Building a Brand”. Printemps is set to open in September 2022 at Doha Oasis, the latest family entertainment destination in Qatar.
“Besides bringing the latest trends and exclusive brands in the fashion industry and exquisite food and beverage outlets; Printemps is set to become the fashion hub of the Middle East and a platform for Qatari Designers to showcase their designs,” Printemps Doha’s Marketing and Communications director Rosette Fares said.
The 18th edition had a range of partners including: Qatar Airways (Official Airline Partner), Education Above All (CSR Partner), and Qatar Assistive Technology Centre Mada (ICT Accessibility Partner), among others.
