Local brand Maqdeem ‘provides inspiration’

Local contemporary fashion company Maqdeem has shared the brand’s inspirational success story at this year’s Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition.The brand’s young and creative Qatari founders, Maqdeem al-Naama and Aisha al-Naama, who are also sisters, took to the stage to answer questions with the aim of encouraging and motivating aspiring local designers to start their own label. The sisters discussed how their brand’s journey began in 2015, their passion to empower women with confidence through fashion and the challenges they have faced and overcome to enjoy commercial success.The journey wasn’t simple; both girls have full-time jobs and demanding schedules, yet their determination to bring modernity into traditional conservative clothing has paid off and demand for their collections is continually rising – so much so, that they will soon be launching their biggest collection yet, according to a press statement.Talking about her participation at Heya, Maqdeem al-Naama said: “We’ve really enjoyed being part of the discussion panel at Heya and being part of this unique event that brings so many businesses together under one roof. It’s given us a platform to share our story and demonstrate that hard work and determination go a long way in ensuring success. These events and discussions provide the much-needed collaboration, support and inspiration that ambitious designers and young businesses need to learn and thrive.”Held under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, the 13th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition concluded yesterday at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. It brought the largest display of local designers to date, with more than 190 local brands participating in the event, the statement noted.The exhibition showcased abayas, modest fashion designs and accessories from 18 countries - Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Ecuador, Hungary, the UK, Spain and Italy.Maqdeem blends modern style, comfort and Arab cultural values, and a small selection of the collection could be viewed at their exhibition stand. Maqdeem was also taking custom-orders for their abayas. From May, they will also be taking pre-orders for their summer collection. The modest-dress summer collection is inspired by travel and nature and will be their largest collection of ready-to-wear women’s clothing to date, the statement added.