“The designer created these abayas exclusively for Heya, which are made of special fabric and they are reversible with pockets,” Italian designer and ‘Made in Italy Luxury’ CEO Valeria Mangani told reporters on the sidelines of Heya. She is also the former vice president of Alta Roma (the Italian Chamber for High Fashions).
“Such designs are handmade and different from other pieces, and these have been prepared only for this fashion week in Doha,” she said, adding that the brand is also showcasing a one-of-its-kind ‘fan-inspired’ design dress besides abayas.
Established in 1966 in Modena, the popular fashion brand has collaborated with some of the famous singers and celebrities such as Luciano Pavarotti.
Anna Marchetti also opened a new company which produces accessories “to complete the total look of her creations”, including belts, bags, and shoes, among others.
Mangani noted a huge demand for Italian fashion brands in Qatar saying the market understands “the luxury of the made in Italy.”
“Qatari women are very curious about it because we think that Qatar is a niche market, very luxurious,” she stressed. “Ladies are very refined and they desire for any iconic piece.”
After bringing four Italian luxury brands at Heya in April, Mangani is set to showcase eight popular brands in the next edition of the exhibition next year.
“In this edition, I am bringing Anna Marchetti, an historical Italian brand, who wrote a very famous (fashion) book, and next April, I will have eight brands, which are already confirmed,” she said.
Anna Marchetti collection has been showcased in a series of fashion shows at the exhibition, along with other renowned Qatari brands.
About the event, Mangani lauded Heya for inviting different countries from around the world, including Italy, India, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Italy, Morocco, Hong Kong, Lebanon, China, Spain, Belgium, and the US, besides neighbouring Kuwait and Oman.
The five-day event, under the patronage of Qatar Museums chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, is showcasing a total of 230 brands from 14 countries, including 170 from Qatar – the largest display of local designers to date.
“I like it very much it is something that the country needs, it can be expanded further more. It is something very beautiful and more countries are participating,” she added.
“About the political situation, I like this thing that fashion doesn’t follow politics, we all come here and we love Qatar,” the fashion designer stressed.
(From right) Valeria Mangani with Anna Marchetti and daughter showing one of their unique designs at the 14th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, which concludes Tuesday at DECC . PICTURE: Joey Aguilar.
The ‘Made in Italy Luxury’ is showcasing five unique abayas by one of Italy’s renowned fashion brand, Anna Marchetti, at the 14th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, which concludes Tuesday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
