Doha: The Sixth Heya Women Fashion Exhibition opened yesterday at Doha Exhibition Center.
It showcases the finest designs and latest trends in Gulf abayas and evening gowns for women in Qatar and the region.
The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Dana Ali Alfardan, Najla Al Shafei, and Haya Al Naiemi.
The exhibition is open until November 22 from 10am to 10pm to visitors above 12.
Featuring 220 pavilions, 50 percent of the exhibitors are Qatari women designers, and the rest from other GCC countries.
Al Reem Al Naimi, Qatari owner and abaya designer of Sadiem, told this daily that the exhibition is a big event every designer wants to be part of it.
It is held in an excellent location that attracts a lot of visitors from different countries.
She believes that what makes participation in the exhibition so desirable is the fact that it is organised by Qatar Tourism Authority.
Al Naimi said such exhibitions cost designers less than half of privately organised expos in terms of renting out space.
They are usually much smaller and do not attract as many visitors as Heya exhibition does.
Qatari women are targeted for such exhibitions. They prefer Qatari women designers’ abayas to those in souqs and shops because it is a trend that prompts them to support and encourage young Qatari designers to gain a name in the Gulf .
Also, designs follow a specific trend, yet each designer produces a limited number of creation that is unique.
Some Qatari women took to social media to condemn the trend of Qatari designers selling abayas for QR1,000 and up to QR5,000 per piece.
They said it is only dress to show off at social events as branded abayas cost a lot.
The Peninsula
