Doha, Qatar – 31 October 2019:   The 16th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition attracted more than 12,000 visitors throughout the 5-day event, organisers have announced. 

 

Bringing together aspiring designers, fashion enthusiasts and influencers, this year the exhibition showcased more than 25 international brands of Abayas and modest fashion collections with more than 250 local, regional and international brands attending from over 11 countries. Heya was declared a success by all participants.

 

Representing an 18% increase in Qatari designers from the previous Autumn/Winter 2018 edition, this year saw the largest number of established and emerging Qatari designers, with more than 200 of exhibitors coming from Qatar. 

 

Returning local and international brands included Debaj, Harlienz, the Hammadies, Al Dukan and Maryam Al Darwish from Qatar; as well as Zoogha from Kuwait; Samar Secrets from Lebanon; Endemage from Oman; Beenas from India and Bocan from Turkey. A host of new brands participated this year including; A’s Qatar, UVA and Signature Design from Kuwait, Kyra Collection from Indonesia, Atelier Zuhra from Oman and Malo from Italy.

 

Partnerships with Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUArts Qatar), Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), Bedaya, Tajmeel (Qatar International Beauty Academy) and Istituto di Moda Burgo Qatar (Fashion and Arts Academy), as well new partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provided visitors with valuable expertise in everything from fashion marketing to finance, to how to get a fashion business off the ground. 

 

Beyond the unique shopping experience, Heya’s packed schedule of 8 workshops, 5 talks and 25 multi-brand show stopping fashion shows drew huge crowds seeking knowledge, guidance and inspiration. The event displayed the latest collection of abayas, kaftans, jalabiyas, evening gowns, veils and other accessories as well as perfumery and make-up.

 

Highlights of this edition included a special appearance by Halima Aden, the first hijab-wearing model who was flown in by Qatar Airways and hosted an insightful talk on her journey to success and the rise of modest fashion on the international fashion scene. In addition, VCUArts Qatar hosted a series of workshops and talks developed to teach the basics of fashion design, including a dedicated talk by Yasmeen Tubailah, one of its students, highlighting her successful business story. 

 

The official opening of Heya was hosted by Ibtihaj Al Ahmadani, Executive Board Member at Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the attendance of representatives from Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), Ambassadors and media, all to support the developing fashion industry in Qatar.

 

Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition was brought to visitors by Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and delivered by partners Design Creationz, who put on the exhibition.

 

Jawaher Al-khuzaei from Qatar National Tourism Council said: “We are pleased to witness yet another successful edition of a truly unique fashion event. At QNTC we believe supporting events such as Heya helps us to celebrate our culture while also catering to a growing global industry. This exhibition is now a staple on our growing calendar of festivals and events, showcasing local talent and promoting Qatar as a destination that embraces modernity while remaining rooted in tradition.”

 

Closing out the 5-day event was the exclusive annual graduation ceremony by Qatar International Beauty Academy (Tajmeel), a project developed by social development center (Nama), who celebrated the graduation of a new batch of 59 hair and beauty specialists certified with the highest international diplomas. 

 

Proud partners of this edition of Heya, Maison de Joelle, W Doha, Tajmeel Academy, Intercontinental Doha the City, VCUArts Qatar, Bioskin Spa, Qatar Red Crescent, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), IDAM, H.E.N.K.S and Kaafe.