Qatar-India Year of Culture partners with Heya for showstopper with internationally acclaimed designer Suneet Varma

 Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, Qatar’s most popular showcase of abayas and traditional Arabian attire, will return for its 15^th edition this month with a rich program of more than 20 fashion shows, seminars, designer workshops and 250+ brands participating in this exciting array of fashion and showmanship.

Held under the patronage of Her Excellency, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the show will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) between 26-30 April 2019. The event is delivered by Design Creationz, with the support of the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), as part of its effort to empower the private sector to attract and host global events.

The exhibition continues to be the go-to platform for Qatari designers to showcase their designs, with Qatari brands representing 70% of participants. This year’s edition also features international brands from 11 countries including neighboring Kuwait and Oman as well as India, Lebanon, Morocco, China, India, Sri Lanka, England and Belgium.

Offering a unique flavour of Arabian heritage, the Spring/Summer 2019 show will see returning brands including Debaj, Harlienz, the Hammadies (previously Lamar), as well as new exhibitors including, Avenant, Ebru Aykas by Duygu Gume, Saouli by Karima Saouli to mention a few.

Mashal Shahbik from Qatar National Tourism Council said: “As a growing platform for businesswomen and fashionistas from Qatar and the world, Heya is a great example of how business events can offer curated experiences that celebrate entrepreneurship and Arabian culture. The show has provided an enriching event for lovers of Arabian fashion, whether designers, shoppers or businesswomen for 14 editions and we look forward to witnessing its continued growth in this next edition.”

This year’s exhibition has partnered with the Indian Embassy which will see designer Suneet Varma showcase his work in Qatar for the first time. One of India’s foremost couturiers, Varma is a name that immortalizes glamour and timeless style. After getting his degree from Europe in 1986, he went on to work with Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Varma will partake in numerous talks and workshops throughout Heya focusing on fashion design, textiles, and sustainable fashion.

On his participation, Varma commented: “I am honored to showcase my work for the first time at Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition. I look forward to engaging with the community on my work while also exploring the booming fashion scene in Qatar.”

Design Creationz spokesperson, Esraa Abel, said: “The show this year offers the most diverse range of brands. We have also dedicated a larger portion of the exhibition to regional talent, while celebrating the Qatar-India Year of Culture in collaboration with the Indian Embassy.”

Three prestigious designers, namely Pero, 3 clothing and SR will also partake in the exhibition under the Indian Pavilion, while a special fashion show and cocktail reception featuring all three Indian designers will also take place under the umbrella of the Indian Ambassador’s wife, Mrs Ritu Kumaran.

Numerous fashion shows, workshops and conversations with fashion icons are woven through the program to ensure Heya continues with its tradition of supporting entrepreneurs. Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ), Tajmeel Academy Qatar, Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), and Bedaya center will offer young talent valuable advice related to the industry.

Reem Al Suwaidi, General Manager of Bedaya, said: “Our mission is to provide support and guidance to Qatari entrepreneurs as they embark on their business journey. That’s why we are happy with this partnership with Heya, and we look forward to working with budding designers at the event and to helping them get their business off the ground.”

Mr. Hamad Al-Qahtani, General Manager, Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) said:

“Heya is an excellent platform through which aspiring fashion designers, entrepreneurs and exhibitors can showcase their brands. QBIC is focused on enriching the fashion industry through partnerships such as Heya to empower and support local entrepreneurs with a variety of programmes. This year, some of our incubated start-ups are participating in the event and we look forward to empowering more designers through Heya.”

Heya is open for women only except on the opening day (26 April), during which men can accompany family members. Children below the age of the 13 cannot enter the exhibition.

Proud partners of this edition of Heya, Maison de Joelle, Shangri-La Doha, Ezdan Hotel, Tajmeel Academy, Virginia Common Wealth University, Guerlain Spa, Qatar Red Crescent and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).

For more information on the 15^th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition please visit www.heya.qa. Visitors can also download the Heya mobile app, enabling visitors to stay up-to-date with events and easily navigate brands and goods on offer.

About Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition

Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Heya provides a collaborative environment where up-and-coming local designers, female entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts can come together to showcase, inspire and motivate others in the industry.

Launched in 2007, and now in its 15^th edition, Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition (Heya) has grown to become Qatar’s biggest platform for contemporary Arabian fashion. Welcoming exciting emerging designers to showcase alongside established global brands, Heya strengthens the country’s position as a major regional shopping destination and center for fashion innovation.

Heya 15 2019 presents the latest Spring/Summer collections from the GCC and international brands to give visitors the chance to discover designers from Qatar, Turkey and India among other participating countries.

Featuring a large exhibition space, daily fashion shows and forums, and hands-on workshops, Heya attracts thousands of ladies from Qatar, the GCC and beyond who come to shop for exclusive collections and discover new designers.

A highlight in the region’s fashion event calendar, Heya is organised by the Qatar National Tourism Council as part of the Qatar-India Year of Culture with Qatar Museums and is delivered by Design Creationz, playing an important role in developing the country’s growing exhibition and conference sector.