In the vibrant heart of Doha, a transformative shift is underway, as Doha Festival City (DHFC) embraces a bold, fashion-forward vision that is captivating the city’s creative community. As a premier shopping and lifestyle destination, DHFC has long been a champion of local and regional fashion, hosting renowned international brands and designers that embody the essence of Qatari culture. But now, the mall is taking its fashion prowess to new heights, unveiling a series of events and collaborations that are elevating the creative talents of the next generation.
Emerging Voices: Celebrating Qatar’s Fashion Trailblazers
At the forefront of this fashion revolution is the Emerging Voices exhibition, a collaborative effort between DHFC, Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, and VCUarts Qatar. This dynamic showcase has been curated to spotlight the incredible talents of VCUarts Qatar students, who are poised to shape the future of Qatar’s fashion landscape.
Noreen Nasralla, Executive Director of Marketing at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, eloquently captures the significance of this event, stating, “With Emerging Voices, we reaffirm Doha Festival City’s role as a key player in Qatar’s fashion landscape, supporting the next generation of designers and setting the stage for Qatar’s creative future.” By providing a platform for these emerging voices, DHFC is not only nurturing local talent but also setting the stage for a new era of fashion-forward expression.
The featured VCUarts Qatar students – Haya Al Thani, Halah Mahmoud, Samah Sulyman, Fay Alsharif, Jory Al-Buainain, and Maya Yatim – have unveiled a captivating array of fashion and editorial photography, showcasing the boundless creativity and innovation that is shaping the future of Qatar’s fashion scene.
Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, Director of Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, shares her excitement about this collaboration, “Today marks the start of an exciting partnership between Harper’s Bazaar and Doha Festival City, celebrating the next generation of fashion talent emerging from Qatar. We’re eager to continue building this community and supporting talented voices in Doha.”
Amplifying Voices, Empowering the Future
The Emerging Voices exhibition is not just about showcasing talent; it’s about fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Christopher Fink, Chair of Fashion Design & Merchandising at VCUArts Qatar, emphasizes the profound impact of this event, stating, “The launch of Emerging Voices in partnership with Doha Festival City and Harper’s Bazaar Qatar has been hugely successful. It is very meaningful for our students to showcase their designs to the community and connect with leaders in the field of fashion. We look forward to future collaborations.”
Adding to the excitement, the event also featured a special segment from Harper’s Bazaar’s “Leading Voices” series, which presented an insightful conversation with Nour Arida, a 14-time cover girl and influential figure in women’s empowerment. Arida shared her own journey and insights, inspiring the next generation of designers and creatives.
Commenting on the Emerging Voices collaboration, Nour Arida expressed her admiration for the Qatari talent on display, “I am so impressed by the Qatari talent I have seen today at Emerging Voices. These young designers have produced incredible pieces of international level design and quality and fit for international markets. My advice to emerging talent is to dream big and keep going. Never give up. There is a real fashion moment happening with Arab designers internationally and it’s great to see the designers of tomorrow here today.”
Shaping the Future of Fashion in Qatar
The Emerging Voices exhibition is just the beginning of DHFC’s fashion-forward vision. In the coming months, the mall will welcome a special pop-up at Harvey Nichols, spotlighting three leading talents from Scale7, further amplifying the voices of Qatar’s burgeoning fashion community.
DHFC’s commitment to supporting the local and regional fashion scene extends beyond this event. Since its inception, the mall has long been a champion of international brands and designers that capture the essence of Qatari culture, cementing its status as a destination for coveted trends and expressive fashion.
As Doha Festival City looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to cater to the diverse needs of local and international shoppers. From luxury brands to exciting activities and events, DHFC is poised to continue its role as a trailblazer in Qatar’s fashion landscape, inspiring a new generation of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
“In the future it enlists its vision and mission to continue to cater to the variety of local and international shoppers with variety fashion, luxury brands and exciting activities and events for diverse audiences,” the mall stated in a press release.
Embracing Sustainability and Innovation
Doha Festival City’s fashion-forward vision extends beyond the realm of design and creativity. The mall has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovative solutions, earning accolades such as the 2023 Qatar Tourism winner for “Outstanding Smart Solutions – Innovative Solutions in Sustainability.”
This recognition underscores DHFC’s dedication to eco-friendly practices and its role as a hub for sustainable living. From its farm-to-table initiatives to its zero-waste efforts, the mall is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that fashion and sustainability can coexist harmoniously.
Moreover, DHFC’s collaboration with Qatar Islamic Bank and Mastercard has led to the launch of an exclusive Gift Card, revolutionizing the shopping experience with a seamless, cashless payment option. This innovative card not only simplifies transactions but also provides access to a host of exclusive offers and promotions, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for shoppers.
A Holistic Destination for Nourishment and Connection
Doha Festival City’s fashion-forward vision is just one facet of its holistic approach to creating a vibrant and enriching destination for the community. The mall’s offerings extend far beyond the realm of fashion, encompassing a diverse range of dining experiences, wellness-focused practices, and community engagement opportunities.
Fresh and Seasonal Dining Experiences
DHFC’s ingredient-driven menus feature locally-sourced produce and seasonal specialties, catering to the growing demand for fresh, nourishing cuisine. From farm-to-table initiatives to global culinary influences, the mall’s dining options cater to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences, promoting a healthy and sustainable food ecosystem.
Wellness-Focused Practices
Recognizing the importance of holistic well-being, DHFC has curated a range of wellness-focused offerings, including mindfulness workshops, yoga and meditation classes, and holistic therapies. These initiatives empower visitors to prioritize self-care and find balance in their lives, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.
Community Engagement and Enrichment
Doha Festival City is committed to fostering a vibrant community, offering a diverse array of cultural celebrations, culinary demonstrations, and nutrition coaching sessions. These events and programs serve to educate, inspire, and connect individuals from all walks of life, promoting a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage and culinary traditions.
Sustainable Ethos and Ethical Sourcing
Sustainability is at the heart of DHFC’s operations, with a strong emphasis on environmentally-conscious practices and ethical sourcing. From farm-to-table initiatives to zero-waste efforts, the mall is leading the charge in creating a more sustainable future, setting an example for others to follow.
Elevated Coffee and Tea Rituals
DHFC’s dedication to exceptional dining experiences extends to its coffee and tea offerings, which showcase artisanal brewing methods, global flavors, and immersive tasting experiences. By embracing the rich cultural heritage of these beloved beverages, the mall invites visitors to indulge in a moment of tranquility and cultural exploration.
Family-Friendly Ambiance and Activities
Recognizing the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, DHFC has curated a range of family-friendly amenities and activities. From kid-friendly menus to creative workshops, the mall offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to all ages, fostering intergenerational connections and lifelong memories.
Artistic Collaborations and Performances
Doha Festival City’s vision extends beyond the realm of fashion and wellness, embracing the power of art, music, and cultural expression. The mall regularly features local art displays, live music events, and culinary-inspired installations, providing a platform for the city’s vibrant creative community to showcase their talents and inspire others.
As Doha Festival City continues to evolve and redefine the retail landscape, its commitment to fashion, sustainability, and community enrichment remains steadfast. By seamlessly blending these diverse elements, the mall has positioned itself as a holistic destination that nourishes the mind, body, and soul – a true embodiment of Doha’s vibrant and forward-thinking spirit.
