Heya Arabian Fashion exhibition gets under way at the new Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre


Sheikha Munira bint Nasser al-Misnad officially opened the eight Heya Arabian Fashion exhibition yesterday at the new Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Four exclusive fashion shows by Dar Naseem Alandalos (Bahrain), Almotahajiba (Qatar), Debaj (Qatar) and Cityzen by Azin (US) highlighted the opening day which was attended by a number of state officials and foreign dignitaries.
A Heya fashion forum titled “The Theory of Aesthetics: Clothing as the Ultimate Expression of Arabian Culture and Tradition” showcased internationally acclaimed panellists Azin Valy and Ludmila Hyman (US), Zeina Abou Chaaban (Palestine), and Al Jazeera’s Jane Dutton as the moderator of the session.
In its latest edition, Qatar’s leading fashion exhibition offers modern and high-quality Arabian and Islamic designs. Fashion enthusiasts, designers, industry experts, and visitors will be united for an entire week of fashion-focused offerings.
Some of the highlights of the event will include programmes by SheikhaHub World Islamic International Fashion Show & Forum Series and hands-on workshops by Qatar International Design Consultancy and Glam Your Image.
Heya features leading Qatari brands such as Debaj, M Jay, Almotahajiba, Cube Abaya, Aldukan and Harlienz who will showcase their Fall 2015 collections.
Numerous regional designers such as Soha Ashi and Ghudfah (Saudi Arabia), Mauzan, R-Design, HF Hessa Alfalasi, and Farfalla (UAE), and Dar Naseem Alandalos (Bahrain), will also present their latest creations in this edition.
Emerging international designers from Europe, Southeast Asia, and the US will debut their creations during the event.
Cityzen by Azin (New York), Lucia Russo Urban Couture (Milan), Edor Creations (Paris), and Dian Palangi (Jakarta) are among several leading international designers to be featured in this latest edition of Heya.
“Far more than a fashion exhibition, Heya is a multi-cultural event designed by artists and thought leaders and woven with the thread of Islamic culture and heritage,” said Hamad al-Abdan, director of exhibitions at Qatar Tourism Authority.
He noted that the event incorporates panel discussions, workshops, fashion shows, business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagement platforms.
“This is an exceptional time for QTA to be organising an event of this magnitude as the organisation prepares to unveil the Qatar Business Events Destination Brand, an asset that is expected to give renewed impetus to efforts in developing Qatar as a top destination for business events,” he said.
Heya will showcase authentic Arabian fashion designs of abayas, kaftans, veils, jalabiyas, shaylas, and evening gowns from nearly 300 high level designers worldwide. More than 15,000 visitors from Qatar and the region are expected to visit the event.
“This edition sees growing interest from international participants in hosting various fashion-focused programmes for our audiences,” said Jawaher al-Kuwari, head of the Advisory Committee at Design Creationz.
Serving as a one-stop shop for individuals eager to return to a stunning week of Arabian fashion designs, she stressed that Heya emerged as the leading event in the regional fashion calendar.
“It has become a true platform where designers can be united towards a global fashion experience,” al-Kuwari added.
Entrance is free and the exhibition is for ladies only. Visitors can register online at http://heya.qa/schedule.