Houbara Haven: A Chaumet Tiara – unveiling the Chaumet Tiara Project-winning design by Qatari artist and jewellery designer Aisha Alattiya, which was commissioned by Alfardan Jewellery and Qatar Museums with the bespoke tiara crafted by the Parisian High Jewellery Maison at 12 Place Vendôme – will be on view from October 27 to January 12, 2026, in the M7 Learning Space at Msheireb Downtown Doha, presented by M7, Qatar’s hub for innovation in fashion, design and technology and Maison Chaumet
The exhibition traces the tiara’s journey from concept to creation, offering visitors behind-the-scenes insights into the collaborative process between Aisha and Chaumet. Through sketches, photographs, and archival documentation, the exhibition reveals how Aisha brought her vision and unique voice into dialogue with the storied legacy of a high jewellery Maison.
Aisha’s design, Houbara Haven, opens new creative ground and expands Chaumet’s timeless code with nature through a local lens. Her design pays homage to Qatar’s desert landscape and its remarkable wildlife. The tiara depicts a houbara bird seeking refuge in the pearl-like blossoms and fruit of the Awsaj tree, which forms a protective sanctuary for the houbara from a flying falcon.
“Our partnership with Maison Chaumet began in 2024 with the design of their Arabic logo followed by the successful Chaumet and Nature exhibition,” said Maha Ghanim Al Sulaiti, Director of M7.
“It has been an honour to continue our collaboration and to jointly celebrate the next generation of designers from the Middle East and North Africa, who are shaping the future of high jewellery.”
M7, in partnership with Maison Chaumet, launched the Chaumet Tiara Project in 2024, building on the momentum of the Chaumet and Nature exhibition held at M7 in Doha, which celebrated Maison Chaumet’s nature-inspired jewellery as part of the legacy of the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture. M7 invited designers and artists across the Middle East and North Africa to reimagine tiaras for the 21st century through the lens of nature and cultural heritage.
From more than 80 applicants, 11 designers were shortlisted to participate in a masterclass at M7 led by Chaumet’s Creative Studio Director. Aisha then travelled to Paris to visit Chaumet’s workshop at Place Vendôme, explore the Maison’s design studios and meet with artisans. Throughout the process, M7 worked hand-in-hand with Aisha, extending additional mentorship and support to refine her craft in jewellery design.
Crafted through 740 hours of careful labour in Chaumet’s High Jewellery Workshop, the tiara was realised by master jewellers, setters, polishers and engravers. The piece incorporates exceptional natural pearls from Alfardan Jewellery, selected from the private collection of Hussein Alfardan, and carefully selected Chaumet diamonds.
“At Maison Chaumet, each creation reflects a continuous dialogue between nature and craftsmanship,” said Charles Leung, CEO, Chaumet.
“The Houbara Haven tiara embodies this spirit, uniting Aisha Alattiya’s Qatari heritage with the Maison’s Parisian savoir-faire to create a piece that is both poetic and symbolic. This collaboration celebrates Chaumet’s creativity in bridging cultures and further strengthens the Maison’s enduring relationship with Qatar.”
Ali Hussain Alfardan, President of Alfardan Jewellery, said “Pearls have always been an integral part of Qatar’s cultural identity, a symbol of purity, resilience and connection to our natural world. Aisha’s design beautifully captures these values, reflecting the essence of who we are as a nation. Through this collaboration, we are proud to see our legacy continue to be reimagined through contemporary craftmanship.”
Aisha added: “I am thrilled to have been selected as the winning designer of the Chaumet Tiara Project as this marks a significant accomplishment in my journey as an emerging jewellery designer
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have M7 support throughout this journey to learn from the extraordinary designers, artisans and craftspeople at Maison Chaumet, who brought my design to life through their remarkable skill. I am proud to share Qatar’s rich history on the global stage through this creation.”
An immersive exhibition design takes viewers on a journey inspired by the hunting patterns of the falcon. Visitors will progress through spaces evoking its search and the houbara bird’s refuge, culminating in the final reveal of the tiara, nestled within a sanctuary of green-toned jewellery symbolising the Awsaj tree.
On view simultaneously at M7 is Amazigh Hair Couture, an exhibition celebrating Moroccan Amazigh hair traditions as a living and evolving art form, and FTA: Threads of Impact. Celebrating 7 Years of Fashion Trust Arabia, highlighting works by more than 80 designers supported by Fashion Trust Arabia.
The M7 exhibition programme is part of Qatar Museums’ 20th anniversary programming, which is being celebrated under the banner of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign to honour the nation’s cultural journey over the past 50 years.