“Pendulum” Fashion Show Displays VCUarts Qatar’s Students’ Talent

VCUarts Qatar’s students previewed their 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 took place on May 3, 2018. 

In attendance was Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation, as well as a number of dignitaries, university deans and ambassadors, faculty members, parents and members of VCUarts Qatar’s community. More than 800 people attended the show, which saw 40 models showcase 100 garments during the hour-long event.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation, 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 center 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 endeavors.” 

The fashion show, opened by Sandra Wilkins, VCUarts Qatar’s Chair of Fashion Design, featured collections of 25 sophomore, junior and senior fashion students.

“I am delighted to attend the annual fashion show for Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar. This year’s event is especially pertinent as it not only showcases some of the superb work of the graduating Class of 2018, as well as marking the university’s 20th anniversary.

“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 center 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 endeavors.” 

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 honor 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.  

A number of awards were given on the night. The W Doha Award went to Noor Aburish for her collection titled, “Lost in translation” and the Salam Fashion Award went to Maryam Al-Bouanin for her children’s wear collection titled, “Playful Innocence.”

Gianrico Esposito, General Manager of The Westin Doha Hotel and Spa, said: “It is such a great honor to host VCUarts Qatar’s 19th annual fashion show – we are proud celebrate the 20th anniversary of a university that has developed and changed the perception of art and design in Qatar. Tonight, we are happy to witness great talents and are confident that the new generation of designers will bolster fashion tourism in Qatar.”

The award for Most Outstanding Sophomore (Academic) went to Roudha Al-Mazroei
The award for Most Outstanding Sophomore Collection went to Maha Al-Thani
The award for Most Outstanding Junior (Academic) went to Heidi Rashad
The award for Most Outstanding Junior Collection went to Heidi Rashad
The award for Most Outstanding Senior (Academic) went to Sreehitha Saini
The award for Most Outstanding Senior Collection went to Maryam Al-Bouanin

The Friend of Fashion 2018 awards went to Mariea Lenette Webb, Nicole Danielle Pollard, and Latasha Annetta Dunston. 

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 at 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. 

Dr. Donald Baker, Executive Dean, VCUarts Qatar, said: “For almost 20 years, Wilkins injected bright and imaginative ideas into the fashion design program – will miss her dearly.”

The fashion show was supported by Salam Studio & Stores, the Gate Mall, Tajmeel Qatar International Beauty Academy, Bombay Silk Centre, Inglot, Tribal Gems & Jewellery, Apparel Qatar, Charming Charlie, and Sara’s Secrets.