A panel discussion and fashion show took place recently at The Amphitheatre, The Pearl-Qatar, as part of the second annual Discover America Week celebrations.
“The Bridge that Unites Us” event was opened by Carmen Haddad, CEO of Citibank Qatar and American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Qatar) board of governors member.
The panel made up of prominent fashion industry leaders in Qatar and internationally then took the stage to discuss the delicate task of bringing art and fashion together.
The panel featured Jawaher al-Kuwari, board member of Qatar Women’s Association; Azin Valy, designer/architect/global explorer; Sandra Wilkins, chair of fashion design at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar; Razan Suliman, owner and founder of Fanilla Couture; and moderator Maryam al-Subaiey, founder of Q-Talent.
“It’s truly impressive and inspiring to see the level of passion and entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Qatar, which was on full display during the panel discussion featuring Qatar’s young talent,” said Theresa Backus Dunn, executive director, AmCham Qatar.
In attendance and showing their support were Dana Shell Smith, US ambassador; Ibtihaj Alahmadani, chairperson of Qatar Businesswomen Forum; Sheikha Noor bint Jassim al-Thani, vice-chairperson of the Qatar Businesswomen Forum; Buthaina al-Ansari, senior HR director of Ooredoo; and Dana Alfardan, CEO of DNA Records.
“We were so delighted to have this amazing event as part of Discover America Week. Fashion truly is a bridge that unites cultures and a $1.7tn industry creating more than 75mn jobs worldwide,” the US ambassador said.
The forum was followed by a fashion show, presenting collections from Debaj Collection, Qatar; D’Oro, Qatar; Citizen by Azin, US; Papillon Jewellery, Qatar; and The Closet, which showcased two American designer brands.
“It was truly an honour to take part in this event and the Design Creationz (DCz) team is humbled and thankful for the opportunity given to us,” said Michelle Denenjon Smethurst, owner and international GM for DCz.