• 70% of exhibitors come from Qatar, as emerging Qatari designers steal the light at Heya 15 
• Workshops and forums to empower Qatari entrepreneurs from Bedaya Center, Qatar Business Incubation Center, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar

Doha, Qatar: 29 April 2019 -   The 15th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition continues to present a showstopper event for the latest in Arabian and modest designs, delivering a platform to foster Qatar’s fashion scene and empower entrepreneurship and knowledge-sharing.

The event has been very positively received by visitors for the quality and variety of collections from local, regional, and international entrepreneurs, as well as the dynamism of forums and workshops, and the participation of leading Qatari fashion brands including Hammadies (previously Lamar).

With Qatari brands representing 70% of participants, the 15th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition saw returning brands such as; Harayer, Debaj, and Bride Atelier, as well as new exhibitors including; Avenant, Ebru Aykas by Duygu Gume, and Saouli by Karima Saouli to mention a few.

Commenting on her participation at this year’s exhibition, Waad Mohammed, designer of Waad, said “This is my second time as a Heya exhibitor and I can say that the amount of thrill and preparation that come before is just as rewarding as meeting VIP clients and getting to know them. I think Heya is an amazing platform with a huge following and customer base and being part of it is now a must to my brand.”

Maryam Al Darwish, Designer of Pattern, also said: “Heya is the enlightened platform for fashion in Qatar. Participating in the exhibition is always a positive experience. It’s a magnificent opportunity to meet and expand our clientele in a privileged and professional environment. Additionally, Heya offers a variety of workshops and forums by industry experts which allow designers to foster their craft and brand.” 

Heya 15 features a partnership with Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development, a joint initiative by Qatar Development Bank and Silatech, to advise aspiring young Qatari entrepreneurs on their professional path in the fashion industry. This edition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ) and Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) continue their partnership with Heya to provide valuable insights for both exhibitors and visitors on how to get a fashion business off the ground via daily workshops, forums and talks. Heya 15 also saw Tajmeel Academy in Qatar host a series of workshops and forums to teach the basics of the beauty industry. 

Along the course of the first three days of Heya, a series of workshops and forums took place for budding fashion designers, entrepreneurs, and exhibition visitors. Within the framework of the Qatar-India 2019: Year of Culture, a workshop was held on 27 April by Designer Pallavi Dhyani, from Three Clothing, on ‘Fitted Clothing and Comfort Clothing’; and on 28 April, another one took place by Designer Sonali Raman titled: History and Tradition: The Different Techniques of Indian Textile.

Bedaya Center featured examples of success stories of young Qataris who have successfully established their companies. Reem Al Suwaidi, General Manager of Bedaya, spoke at the forum with Al Anood Al Jassim, Owner of AJ Couture, to share with the audience practical insights into the foundations and infrastructure required to develop a robust business in fashion.  

QBIC has also delivered specialised sessions designed to shed light on its unique mixed-use business incubation center, and its support services to help entrepreneurs with business ideas, and those who want to establish or grow their business. On 27 April, a forum led by Aysha Al Romaihi, Business Development Manager of QBIC, was held to introduce their latest ‘Lean Fashion program’ and its various benefits for budding fashion designers. 

VCUQ, who has established itself as a center of excellence for education and research on local art and design, is heavily involved in supporting emerging designers in Qatar, nurturing talent, and acting as a catalyst for growth. On 28 April, they held a workshop on the future of green fashion, a hot topic today, which was delivered by Kimberly Guthrie, the Interim Fashion Chair.

Visitors can still benefit from more lined-up valuable content. On Monday, 29 April, a series of workshops will take place to empower upcoming designers to establish and grow their business. At 5pm, visitors can attend a special workshop by Tajmeel Academy in Qatar, and at 5.30pm, entrepreneurs and designers are invited to a session by Meenu Prasad on Fashion Forecasting.

In addition to the learning opportunities at Heya, this year’s round offers shoppers and visitors the opportunity to complete their Spring/Summer 2019 collections, from high-street apparel, couture and luxury, to the latest modest fashion evening gowns, leather accessories, as well as perfumery and make-up.

Held under the patronage of Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Heya invites all women and girls over the age of 13 to attend the event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from today until Tuesday (30 April).