‘Fashion Rush’ event aims to dispel myths

Wilkins: this event is ‘visionaries’

The Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ)’s Fashion Design Department is hosting the first "Fashion Rush” today from 5pm-8pm at the Saffron Hall.
The event is open to the public.
Fashion Design Department chairperson Sandra Wilkins came up with the idea for "Fashion Rush” when the department was brainstorming on different ways to educate the community about the department and "dispel any myths people may have about it (fashion and design) not being a viable degree – even though the department has the highest post-graduate employment success rate.
While the fashion industry is a major industry in the world, employing millions of people, it remains very much in the early stages in Qatar.
What has been a growing universal trend – a shift from mass market to what is special, sustainable and locally made – is also being seen here. 
Not surprisingly, Qatar has seen a serious increase in the number of small designers opening boutiques, besides the creation of Qatar Luxury Group, enhancing the overall entrepreneurial spirit in the country. 
"We are encouraging our designers to forge ahead and make new paths.
"The world is looking at Qatar, it’s the perfect time to let the bright minds of our youth create a brilliant vision of what that world will see, something that is of Qatar, by those who live in Qatar,” Wilkins said.
"The challenge then is convincing the parents of these visionaries to allow them to follow their passions,” she said.
"This event is really for them.”
The fashion industry "touches” everything as the industry includes designers, illustrators, event co-ordinators, photographers, stylists, boutique owners, graphic and print designers, textile designers, retail managers, marketers and buyers.
"Clothing is one of our basic needs, it is a way of expressing yourself, a way of life.
"People in this industry should never be out of a job,” Melanie McClintock from VCUQatar’s Fashion department, who is helping co-ordinate the event said.
"Fashion Rush” will be an informal gathering, beginning with an introduction of some of the participants from the fashion industry who will speak about their experiences in the industry. 
"The event is especially looking to target the curious – potential students, parents and the broader community, and the informed – those seeking connections in the industry,” McClintock added.
Participants in the event include Qatar Luxury Group marketing and communication officer Sara Zuddas, W Hotel and Residences’s W Happening and PR manager Edgar Vaudeville, Cugini/Dados Beauty owner Heba al-Okar, Nomad co-founders Carla Mallari and Ahmed al-Sayed, Roqaya al-Thani Clothing designer Roqaya al-Thani, Moda Key owner Latifa al-Mudahki, Tajmeel principal Beverly Crowther, Marya Trading director Maryah al-Dafa, Zai and Blue Salon.