By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: An interactive catwalk, a digital fitting room and a magic selfie mirror are some of the new features at this year’s show at the 9th International Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show Doha (IWED 2016) which opened yesterday at Katara.
“We are going to present for the first time an interactive catwalk on which varying images and colours appear as the models step on it during the show,” Hadi Alzain Ali, CEO of Qatar Expo-organizers of the exhibition-told the media at the launch.
Daily fashion shows featuring famous designers have been an attraction every year at the exhibition which will also witness entertainment and creative presentations during the five-day event. Another new feature at the show is a digital fitting room which is not yet available in the local market, according to Ali. The fitting room enables a customer to virtually try on clothing through a mirror and change the outfit’s colour, size and style instantly, he explained.
“We are awaiting its release from the Customs. We would put it in the show as a demo,” he said.
The magic selfie mirror is a talking touch-screen device which allows a person to take a selfie, put his signature on it and automatically print it.
“This is a big draw at weddings, product launches, corporate and other events. It is usually placed at the venue’s entrance as a complimentary offer for guests,” said Ahmed Kalifa, Co-founder and Project Manager, Event Developers which provides event solutions.
Technology, Ali said, has now become an integral part of the fashion and wedding industry.
“Everything now is digital and introducing new technology to the show is our way of attracting more visitors,” he said, adding the local wedding industry is steadily growing at an annual rate of 3 percent to 5 percent.
The expo, which was opened by Mohammed Mehdi Al Ahbabi, Board Member of Qatar Chamber, has attracted leading regional wedding service providers, fashion designers, caterers, wedding planners and photo and video services. Over 70 exhibitors from Qatar, GCC and India are displaying the latest trends in wedding and bridal industry. The exhibition is open to the public today, tomorrow and on Saturday from noon until 10pm and on Friday from 3pm to 10pm.
The Peninsula
