A night of style and glamour with Doha’s glitterati at the biggest Women’s Circle event held at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel was attended by OHLALA’s Homara Choudhary.
Dozens of fashionistas from across Doha attended the Dress to Impress Women’s Circle event held at Qatar’s popular landmark. Women’s Circle, which turns one in October, is an initiative launched by Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel with self-worth coach Anahi Ortiz Prieto. The fivestar hotel hosts monthly events dedicated to themes that are relevant to women in the Gulf.
After hosting a hugely successful event in August focussing on women in careers, September’s edition looked at all things related to fashion. As part of the hotel’s continuous efforts to support women, the establishment joined hands with several brands and partners. Names such as OHLALA magazine, Damas Jewellery, TWINSET Milano, Skin & Soul, MAC Cosmetics, Jo Malone and Sabah Yildirim from Studio Cloud 13 were in attendance.
The hotel’s Head of Marketing and PR, Fatma Kurt, said she was impressed at how many ladies took part and explained the importance of the event: “Women’s Circle welcomes all women from Qatar’s multi-cultural society to discuss their experiences and share their stories to enrich the attendees’ knowledge with different events and activations.
“We believe such poised platforms enable women to support and empower each other. This project has grown and evolved; we have supported brands, individuals and ideas in their evolution, which fills me with so much pride and joy.”
Dress to Impress was organised in collaboration with Anahi, who is also project partner for the event. She explained why it was imperative to give women in Qatar such a unique platform: “The Women’s Circle is a project born from the idea that bringing women together around different subjects and styles would enable us to host a diverse community that would foster growth, understanding and support.
“Each event has allowed us to connect with more women, as well as offer a space to talk about different topics in a way that has never been done before in Qatar.”
The event partnered with stylist Anna Dreams who sat on a panel with stylist and etiquette expert Elisabette Reis and fashion blogger and marketeer Karen Nicolet. They discussed the role of style and fashion, including female empowerment and how it is necessary for women to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Anahi, who was moderating the discussion, revealed that she had always struggled with her shape but as she grew older, she felt more comfortable with her body and now wears clothes that fit her and make her feel good. “Individuality is crucial. We need to stop trying to fit in and stop putting ourselves in a box,” she said.
Karen agreed and said she was pleased that the fashion industry was taking note that one size does not fit all: “It’s great to see so many campaigns now featuring more ‘normal’ women and not just models.
“Self-expression is also really important. Social media has changed the way we all once looked at fashion and beauty. It’s a very powerful platform.”
Elisabette said it came down to self-acceptance: “It doesn’t matter how big or small you are, women need to build wardrobes for their bodies. Women are unique and you must accept yourself.”
As well as the panel discussion, dozens of women who attended were given the floor to ask their own questions about fashion, the role of social media and the importance of self-expression. Sisterhood and acceptance of women by women were also high on the agenda, as was the importance of supporting one another.
The evening saw make-up tutorials by MAC, gift bags from Jo Malone and Skin & Soul Beauty Center as well as stands by Damas Jewellery and TWINSET Milano. There were also styling demos by stylist Anna Dreams. The next event will be focusing on sustainability and health, particularly breast cancer awareness. The conversation will be shifting from fashion to the importance of self-care and community support, enabling women to take better care of their minds and bodies, making them what Fatma calls “the catalyst of change in society”.
With a self-care-focused afternoon tea, the Women’s Circle event in October will give guests actionable ideas to keep their bodies healthy and use this on their journey to leave a positive mark on the world.