June 20, 2021
Doha Design District (DDD), the new design hub in Msheireb Downtown Doha and the center of Qatar’s design and innovation, is showcasing the collections of this year’s graduating class of fashion design students from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in a window-display style.
The display is part of continuous collaboration between Doha Design District, M7 and VCU-Qatar, enhanced by a common vision of fostering Qatar’s design industry and creativity, and promoting the new trend of shop window display designs in Qatar and the region.
Following the cancellation of the VCU-Qatar fashion shows due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, the shopfront window displays represent a safe solution for the graduating class to showcasing their collections and a creative shift from traditional annual fashion show runway-based presentations.
The graduating class collection displays at Msheireb Downtown Doha enable the students to reach out directly to a wider audience and visitors of the city, giving them a great opportunity to promote their creations in an innovative style. This collaboration is part of Doha Design District’s vision and mission to offer a space for new emerging designers to showcase their creativity and support their careers.
VCU’s Fashion Design Department collaborated with DDD’s Shaikha Al-Sulaiti and Naila Al-Thani – two VCUarts Qatar alumni – to celebrate the designs from the Class of 2021 to the wider community in a creative and longer-term showcase. Located in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the shopfront window displays are located near the intersection of Abdullah Bin Thani and Al Khail streets in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Mr. Al Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, said: “We are proud to partner with VCUarts Qatar to host these creative designs for their graduating students at our city Msheireb Downtown Doha. It is part of the Doha Design District’s mandate to support new emerging talents and provide them with an artistic space to show their creations to a wider audience and encourage them to pursue their career in this field. We will continue our initiatives to enhance the District’s position as the main hub for design and creativity in Qatar.”
“We congratulate the students of VCUarts Qatar for their dedication, creativity, and commitment. We are confident that their collections are receiving people’s admiration and appreciation”, Al Kuwari added.
The designs created by the Class of 2021 are displayed on four shopfront window displays and includes the collection of one of four graduate students, while a fifth window display offers a glimpse into the creativity of the Class of 2022 fashion design students set to graduate next year.
Visitors of the place can have further information about the theme of each collection by scanning the QR code adjacent to each display.
Doha Design District is becoming a key part of Doha’s cultural fabric and helping to promote local designers. It will enhance Msheireb Downtown Doha’s position as a district of art and creativity and serve as a state-of-the-art center for local designers to flourish. It will also attract local, regional, and reputable global designers to be part of the new district. Centered around innovation and creativity, Doha Design District aims to be a world-class destination that prioritizes creatives’ needs and attracts local and regional designers to interact with their global peers.
