Models present creations by Selina Farooqui during the show.
DOHA: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) yesterday previewed their collection as part of its annual fashion show, which was held in partnership with Nasser Bin Khaled and Mercedes-Benz at the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa.
In attendance was H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation, and a number of dignitaries, university deans and ambassadors, faculty members, parents and members of VCUarts Qatar’s community.
More than 800 people attended the show, which saw 40 models showcase 100 garments during the hour-long event.
H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani said: “I am delighted to attend the annual fashion show for Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.”
“VCUarts Qatar was the first QF partner university to be established at Education City, and, over the past 20 years, it has established itself as a center of excellence for education and research in art and design. Its success represents a significant milestone in our journey at QF to empowering our future generations to thrive in a global environment.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to all the VCUarts Qatar graduates embarking on the next chapter of their journeys and creative endeavors,” H E Sheikha Hind said.
The fashion show, opened by Sandra Wilkins, VCUarts Qatar’s Chair of Fashion Design, featured collections of 25 sophomore, junior and senior fashion students.
Wilkins explained that the title of this year’s fashion show was ‘Pendulum’. “The ‘Pendulum’ theme represents our focus in establishing a design department that meets the needs of this growing and diverse industry,” she said.
The students were required to submit their designs to a jury of fashion experts. Students from the campus in Richmond, Virginia also showcased their designs during the fashion show.
Selina Farooqui, a VCUarts Qatar alumnus, was a guest designer for the show, where she showcased her Ramadan 2018 collection.
The creative concept for this year’s show placed emphasis on ready-to-wear pieces which were both wearable and marketable.
A number of awards were given on the night. The W Doha Award went to Maryam Al Bouanin for her children’s wear collection titled, ‘Playful Innocence’. The Salam Fashion Award went Noor Aburish for her collection titled, ‘Lost in translation’.
Gianrico Esposito, General Manager of The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, said: “It is such a great honour to host VCUarts Qatar’s 19th annual fashion show — we are proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a university that has developed and changed the perception of art and design in Qatar.”
The award for Most Outstanding Sophomore (Academic) went to Roudha Al Mazroei; the award for Most Outstanding Sophomore Collection went to Maha Al Thani; the award for Most Outstanding Junior (Academic) went to Heidi Rashad; the award for Most Outstanding Junior Collection went to Heidi Rashad; the award for Most Outstanding Senior (Academic) went to Sreehitha Saini; the award for Most Outstanding Senior Collection went to Maryam Al Bouanin.
The Friend of Fashion 2018 awards went to Mariea Lenette Webb, Nicole Danielle Pollard, and Latasha Annetta Dunston. The awards for Senior Collection Richmond went to Conner Francis Karlen, Chongwon Lee, Naradulam Batsuuri, and Anne Rae Carlson.
Five VCUarts Qatar students will have their collections shown at the home campus annual fashion show on May 10.
The fashion show was supported by Salam Studio & Stores, sGate Mall, Tajmeel Qatar International Beauty Academy, Bombay Silk Centre, Inglot, Tribal Gems & Jewellery, Apparel Qatar, Charming Charlie, and Sara’s Secrets.
