Photo: Courtesy of M7
Seven up-and-coming designers from Qatar enrolled in ‘The Collective’ Retail Incubation Program designed by M7 have launched their exclusive capsule collection for the newly opened Printemps Doha. This collaboration has not only provided the ideal shopping destination for the soon-to-be-celebrated Eid al-Fitr but also aims to empower and equip Qatar-based designers through their creative process, ultimately enabling them to develop a successful retail business.
M7 Director Maha Al Sulaiti commented on the partnership, “We are grateful to partner with Printemps Doha whose vision aligns with ours in supporting local talents in Qatar.” She added, “The Collective retail incubation program was designed to answer the current demand and challenges designers face today. We are particularly proud of the commitment and progress made by the seven designers throughout the 5-month incubation period. To finally see their collection in store at Printemps Doha is a testament of our commitment to empowering the next generation of designers in Qatar.”
Photo: Courtesy of M7
The selected designers were provided with mentorship – including guidance and support, the necessary tools, and one on one coaching sessions – from industry leaders. These mentors included Laetitia Lumbroso, co-founder of label ‘Destree’, who taught Sales and Distribution; Cutting Studio founder and 1309 designer Ghada Al Subaey taught Production and Supply Chain Management; Missak Haji Avedikian, a Lebanese Armenian fashion designer and consultant; and Chuchri Cavalcanti, mentor and advisor to regional startup fashion brands, who spent 15 years in executive positions for brands such as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, and Reem Acra.
“Fashion design has the power to carry powerful statements, and one of my main ambitions is to inspire our young designers to form their own distinct point of view, whilst carrying a universal message,” said Al Subaey about her role and ambitions for the program.
Photo: Courtesy of M7
The inaugural program enabled the designers to present a unique and exclusive capsule collection spotlighting a mix of abaya, ready-to-wear, and jewelry designs. Dana Riad presents a collaboration between heritage, modernity, and romance in the form of timeless garments taking the wearer from day to night. Kaltham Al Majid of Kaltham’s Pavilion takes inspiration from Qatar’s national flower, Qataf, and a Turkish Islamic art pattern comprised of Tulips to create jewelry pieces featuring precious gemstones. Poze founder Zulfa Al Thani bridges the gap between haute couture and ready-to-wear while celebrating feminity.
“My collection is inspired by the practicality of coats,” said Rawan Al Nassiri of SDN about her contemporary abayas paying homage to Qatar’s natural landscape. Amna Al Misned blurs the line between Qatari cultural attire and the global fashion world through her brand TRZI while Abdul Rahaman Al Ahmad, co-founder of The Project, brings streetwear and urban wear elements to traditional Middle Eastern clothing. Sayuri Kurotsu of Shirotsu comments, “The capsule collection Face Value by SHIROTSU is a critical investigation into the apparent worth of people and their possessions.”
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