Doha Design District and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) have partnered to conceptualise creative window display designs inspired by Liberty London’s iconic aesthetic. The winning concept, selected by Liberty’s team, was brought to life and featured at the brand’s recently opened store in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). Developed as part of a retail design course at VCUarts Qatar, the project challenged students to reinterpret Liberty London’s distinctive brand identity within the architectural and cultural context of MDD. The winning concept, created by Moza al-Marri, Ayat al-Hayki, Reema al-Mohannadi, and Fatima al-Haddad, blended Liberty’s heritage with Msheireb’s modern design ethos, reflecting creativity, sustainability, and cultural harmony. Dana Kazic, director of Doha Design District, said: “This initiative embodies the spirit of Qatar National Vision 2030, where creativity, education, and innovation come together to empower our community. We look forward to building on this collaboration and continuing to create opportunities that celebrate local talent and strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional hub for design and creativity.” Dean Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar, said: " Our students had the coveted opportunity to work with a world-renowned brand, one of our most valued partners, Liberty London. They translated their ideas into a professional context that celebrates design heritage and cultural identity. The winning design draws on a poetic connection between Liberty’s historic London flagship - an architectural icon crafted from the timber of two Royal Navy vessels - and the traditional Dhow boats of Doha. The Liberty store was built to resemble a ship that had journeyed across the world, collecting beautiful objects, art and textiles before anchoring in the heart of London. Embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery, the students reimagined this concept through a Qatari lens of exploration and exchange, echoing the enduring legacy of the Dhow boat, an icon of Qatar’s rich history of pearl trading and global connection. Renowned set designer Miranda Sinclair brought the students’ concept to life, translating their vision into a fully realised spatial installation. Drawing inspiration from the original narrative, Sinclair reinterpreted the story with theatrical flair, featuring ships draped in Liberty fabrics and cargo boxes overflowing with wares. Her design captures both the emotional depth and visual dynamism of the concept.