Abaya is becoming highly popular globally with a large number of department stores offering various collections from Arab designers, including Qataris, a senior official from Qatar Chamber has said.
“You will be surprised how abaya is spreading all over the world,” Qatar Chamber board member and Qatari Businesswomen Forum chairperson Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani said on the sidelines of the 10th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, which concludes today.
She noted that abayas are now available in major and renowned fashion outlets such as Harrods, among others. Many of the new collections at the exhibition have been designed by Qatari designers, some of whom have just arrived from New York, the official added.
Qatar Chamber has opened its doors to these designers and Qatari businesswomen, welcoming them to its forums such as the Qatari Business Women Forum aimed at supporting their endeavour and helping them to network globally, she said.
Al-Ahmadani stressed that they also support “business people in general” especially young entrepreneurs, both men and women, both old and newcomers.
About the exhibition this year, she described Heya as unique and every edition has many surprises with many new Qatari designers participating.
“We were amazed seeing what they have done with their new additions, they are beautiful, we are happy to see this improvement,” she said. “The
event is bigger than the last time.”
Launched in 2007, Heya is Qatar’s biggest platform for contemporary Arabian fashion creations, attracting an increasing number of exhibitors from neighbouring GCC countries, as well as from countries in other regions.
The exhibition features different Arabian fashion designs of abayas, kaftans, veils, jalabiyas, shaylas, and evening gowns with more than 220 booths from high level designers.
In a press statement, organisers stressed Heya is a women only exhibition and allows visitors who are 13 years old and above. Entry is free.