Budding Qatari designers have been getting a big boost from the Young Qatari Designers (YQD) initiative, giving them more exposure and opportunities to further showcase their designs.
The initiative, under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, returns to the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2018 as part of its commitment to nurturing young talent and creativity.
“The YQD is certainly a great privilege and it is extremely a good support on their part to give us this opportunity,” Qatari designer Leila Abu Issa of Leila Issam Fine Jewellery told recently.
“I am so glad that the exhibition is taking place at home. I am very happy to be launching my collection in Qatar,” she stressed.
The Qatari designer will be revealing a unique collection that reflects Qatar’s rich history and heritage, which she designed specifically for this prestigious exhibition.
Abu Issa, who is taking part for the first time at DJWE 2018, will also showcase a few pieces from each of her collections, apart from her collection for the charity auction.
In partnership with AlBahie Auction House, DJWE 2018 aims to promote YQD by hosting an exclusive charity auction on the fifth-day of the event (February 25) where buyers can bid on a signature piece designed by this year’s local designers.
The Education Above All will be benefitting from the proceeds of the charity auction, according to AlBahie.
Another Qatari designer taking part as YQD for the second time, Ghada al-Buainain noted that the initiative has been “very effective in getting the people to know us and to get new clients and to be out there for everyone.”
“For the auction, I will showcase a necklace and it is part of my Pipe and Gold collection,” she said, noting that the story behind the piece represents the economic state of Qatar before and after the discovery of natural gas.
Al-Buainain will also showcase another collection at DJWE 2018, which is inspired by electrical wires.
Meanwhile, sisters Jawaher and Hissa Mohammed al-Mannai (Ghand Jewellery) lauded the initiative for giving them the opportunity to take part in the exhibition, a platform to showcase their unique jewellery items mostly inspired by diverse cultural heritage and backgrounds.
Nada al-Sulaiti of Herat, who will showcase a pair of drop earrings dubbed as “Sleeping Beauty” for the charity auction, said the initiative has been fully supporting YQDs like her especially at the DJWE.
The six-day event will take place from February 21 to 26 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, featuring more than 400 brands from over 10 countries.
