November comes with a series of fashion-related stories happening in Qatar. From a charitable initiative to an unmissable exhibition. Check them out!
Designer Input
Gaia Repossi, Creative Director of the Italian jewellery brand, Repossi, has been appointed a member of the Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) 2022 advisory board. The 2022 board is composed of a list of fashion industry experts responsible for selecting 24 finalists that will get the chance to showcase their work before the FTA jury. Gaia assumed her role in the family business at age 21 and has helped Repossi become a beloved brand for its luxe minimalism and contemporary aesthetic. The designer’s extensive involvement and networks in the fashion world make her the perfect member to provide expertise and guidance for the upcoming regional talents in the competition. The FTA’s mission is to support these local creatives by providing them with global opportunities and creating a network where they can participate in interesting conversations and exchange ideas.
Stylish Opticals
Former footballer David Beckham landed in Qatar to launch his DB Eyewear Spring and Summer Collection 2023. The line is a partnership with the Italian Safilo Group, wellknown in the eyewear field for its high-quality glasses and for collaborating with many high-end fashion brands such as Carolina Herrera and Jimmy Choo. The launch event was set in a desert scenario, which was also the chosen ambience for the collection campaign. The new pieces feature a complete selection of sunglasses and optical frames and the styles come in an elegant colour palette inspired by the warm tones of the desert, including soft shades of sand, brown and beige. The lenses are made with superior materials, including sunglasses with polarised options suitable for an active lifestyle, as they shield eyes from the intense sun rays. The opticals come with the DB monogram lasered on the frontal lens and a new sophisticated vintage-inspired metal detail adorns the temples to add extra oomph to the timeless designs.
Good Vibes
Jewellery brand Bymystique has partnered with Qatari contemporary womenswear label By Noora F to create an exclusive line. The collaboration showcases several jewellery pieces, including the Starstruck Pendant, made with ethically sourced 18-carat recycled gold and diamonds, and the Star Signet Ring, also in 18-carat gold, which embraces the power of stars and symbolises new beginnings. Bymystique creations are ethical and environmentally conscious and designed with the mystic of healing power in mind. The contemporary collections consist of rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The brand was born with a mission to drive positivity, empower and inspire. “Collaborating with local designers in the GCC that share the same vision is something we are proud of. We look to further establish our partnerships with unique, creative local businesses across the Middle East to spread a message around positivity, sustainability and the power of local,” says Iman Fawaz, Founder and Creative Director of Bymystique.
Fashion History
As part of the year-round national cultural movement, Qatar Creates, Qatar Museums and Maison Valentino present Forever Valentino, an exhibition that pays homage to its founder, Valentino Garavani. It is the fashion house’s largest showcase of this nature to date and the label’s first presentation in the Middle East. A stunning theatrical experience, the retrospective show explores the haute couture codes of the maison and a voyage through Rome, Valentino’s home, where everything started and its identity belongs. Coinciding with the designer’s 90th birthday and the unveiling of the Valentino Autumn and Winter 2022/2023 Haute Couture collection, the exhibition is conceived as a vast panoramic view of the history of the label. The display is embedded in a striking scenography evoking the Eternal City (as Rome is known), which has been Valentino’s home since its foundation in 1959. The exhibition is happening at the design and innovation hub M7, located in Msheireb Downtown Doha, until April 1, 2023.
Aid Appeal
The fashion scene in Qatar is growing exponentially and many engaging activations are happening in the country. The new initiative, EMERGE, is a partnership between Qatar Creates, a gateway to cultural activities, and supermodel Naomi Campbell with her charity, Fashion For Relief. This venture aims to create new apprenticeships, afterschool programmes and university projects focused on creative and alternative industries such as general education, fashion, technology, art, sustainable innovations and agriculture. EMERGE will unfold in three main events leading to a grand couture show. Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the driving force behind Qatar Creates, said: “With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we stand at the cusp of an incredible moment for our region. It is our responsibility to seize this moment and draw the attention of the international community towards causes that benefit marginalised people across the globe. I am grateful to EMERGE for joining our efforts and I am confident that we can harness this opportunity to uplift and empower those who need it most while creating cultural milestones.”