Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi photographed by Ziga Mihelcic for Vogue Arabia March 2019
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has taken over the role of creative director of the London menswear label Qasimi. The announcement follows the death of her twin brother, and the label’s fashion designer, Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, son of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who tragically passed away on July 1 in London, UK.
According to a statement released by the brand, Sheikha Hoor will now be in charge of all creative and business responsibilities with the support of Qasimi’s design team and head of design Adam Rice.
The statement added, “While bringing her artistic sensibility to Qasimi, Hoor will seek to maintain Khalid’s aesthetic, which was centered around the idea of an urban nomad and built upon the pillars of architecture, color, military details and social-political messaging. She will strive to stay true to this messaging.
“Above all, Hoor will endeavor to preserve – and further – Khalid’s legacy and make sure that his memory is kept alive. She will present autumn/winter 2020 during London Fashion Week Men’s in January 2020, as Khalid’s last show, before presenting her own inaugural collection, spring/summer 2021 in June 2020.”
Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi photographed by Mariano Vivanco
Sheikha Hoor is mainly known for her contribution to Sharjah’s art scene as not only does she oversee the Sharjah Biennal as its director, but is also the president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation. Her position as director of the biennial has seen her take the art exhibition from having four staff members when she took on the role in 2002 at the age of 22, to more than 200 staff. Her vision has led to the formation of the Sharjah Art Foundation and other side projects, including the Africa Institute and the new Africa Hall.
Sheikh Khalid, 39, was an architect and chairman of the Sharjah Urban Planning Council and led work on the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, an exhibition event which happens every three years. The young royal was also the designer behind the British menswear label Qasimi, whose debut collection premiered in 2008. His collections were hugely popular, to the extent fashion label Vetements recently came under fire for copying a Qasimi design in its latest collection.
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