‘Pendulum’ fashion show displays VCUarts Qatar students’ talent

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) has previewed its collection as part of its annual fashion show, which was held in partnership with Nasser Bin Khaled and Mercedes-Benz at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa.The fashion show featured 40 models showcasing 100 garments.In attendance were HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice-chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, as well as a number of dignitaries, university deans and ambassadors, faculty members, parents and members of VCUarts Qatar’s community.Johana Nasreen’s (senior) collection in liquid gold.More than 800 people attended the show, which saw 40 models showcase 100 garments during the hour-long event.Ameena Bakaev’s (senior) collection made of Japanese silk and printed crepe. PICTURES: Shaji KayamkulamSheikha Hind said: “I am delighted to attend the annual fashion show for Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar.“VCUarts Qatar was the first QF partner university to be established at Education City, and, over the past 20 years, it has established itself as a centre of excellence for education and research in art and design. Its success represents a significant milestone in our journey at QF to empowering our future generations to thrive in a global environment.“I would like to extend my congratulations to all the VCUarts Qatar graduates embarking on the next chapter of their journeys and creative endeavours.” The fashion show, opened by Sandra Wilkins, VCUarts Qatar’s chair of Fashion Design, featured collections of 25 sophomore, junior and senior fashion students.Wilkins explained that the title of this year’s fashion show was ‘Pendulum’.“The ‘Pendulum’ theme represents our focus in establishing a design department that meets the needs of this growing and diverse industry. The whole foundation of design is built on reimagining, re-proportioning, re-fabricating and making new again,” she said. The students were required to submit their designs to a jury of fashion experts. Students from the campus in Richmond, Virginia, also showcased their designs during the fashion show.Selina Farooqui, a VCUarts Qatar alumnus, was a guest designer for the show, where she showcased her Ramadan 2018 Collection.“Having graduated from VCUarts Qatar in 2011, it’s an honour to have been invited to be the guest designer at this year’s fashion show,” she said.“I remember when I was a student taking part in this show and showing my first collection, and now I am back here, having worked on my own fashion line.“The constant support, motivation and knowledge VCUarts Qatar provided me with enabled me to launch a successful fashion brand in Qatar.”The creative concept for this year’s show placed emphasis on ready-to-wear pieces which were both wearable and marketable.Gianrico Esposito, general manager of The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, said: “We are happy to witness great talents and are confident that the new generation of designers will bolster fashion tourism in Qatar.”A number of awards were given on the night. The W Doha Award went to Maryam al-Bouanin for her children’s wear collection titled, ‘Playful innocence’, while the Salam Fashion Award went Noor Aburish for her collection titled, ‘Lost in translation’. Other award winners are as follows: Most Outstanding Sophomore (Academic) — Roudha al-Mazroei, Most Outstanding Sophomore Collection — Maha al-Thani, Most Outstanding Junior (Academic) — Heidi Rashad, Most Outstanding Junior Collection — Heidi Rashad, Most Outstanding Senior (Academic) — Sreehitha Saini, and Most Outstanding Senior Collection — Maryam al-Bouanin.The Friend of Fashion 2018 awards went to Mariea Lenette Webb, Nicole Danielle Pollard and Latasha Annetta Dunston, while the awards for Senior Collection Richmond went to Conner Francis Karlen, Chongwon Lee, Naradulam Batsuuri and Anne Rae Carlson.Five VCUarts Qatar students will have their collections shown on the home campus annual fashion show on May 10.VCUarts Qatar’s executive dean Donald Baker praised Wilkins for her 20 years of hard work, loyalty and dedication to the university, and the fashion industry in Qatar. Wilkins retires next month after two decades in Qatar.The fashion show was supported by Salam Studio & Stores, The Gate Mall, Tajmeel Qatar International Beauty Academy, Mumbai Silk Centre, Inglot, Tribal Gems & Jewellery, Apparel Qatar, Charming Charlie and Sara’s Secrets.