Qatar in Colour |
love coffee shops,” he says, “so that is where I do market
research. I am a human mannequin, wearing my designs.
People come and talk to me about them, and I find out
what they like and what they don’t.”
“Fashion is always changing, but I keep my eye on my
customers. I have never challenged people’s right to be
traditional.”
Fahad founded the Qatar Fashion Society and runs a
fashion incubator. “Designers come with their ideas, we
help them to work out a business plan,” he says.
He has curated 11 art exhibits, and now has over ten
years’ experience in fashion entrepreneurship, which he
is keen to pass on.
He supports applicants of Fashion Trust Arabia, founded
by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson
of Qatar Foundation, which took place in Spring 2019
at Msheireb Museums and Doha Fire Station in the
presence of world-renowned designers including Victoria
Beckham.
Fahad explains: “Qatar is the biggest consumer in the
luxury segment in fashion and now we want to produce
here.”
Some 22 students graduate annually in fashion from
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts
in Qatar. These students need support upon leaving
university, he explains. “While the school provides the
know-how and design theory, when it comes to the
business side of fashion, students are not equipped.
“We help them by matching them with production
houses, public relations agencies, retailers, and
department stores.”
Personally, Fahad wants to continue promoting design in
Qatar. His latest collection is inspired by the architecture
of Doha. “The stripes represent Qatar National
Library,” he says. “Driving around Qatar and taking
photos inspires me and makes me proud.
“The process starts in my head, with mood boards and
photos. I take elements I like and sketch them, then I
select the fabrics and start designing.”
Pointing to a rail of beautiful, unique pieces, he says:
“There is always a message, sometimes it is hidden
between the lines. Is it the white taking over the blue, or
is it the other way around?”
It has been a long road, and Fahad of course credits his
mother with his success. “She was a powerful goddess
mother,” he says. “Now, she says to me: you are my
success story.”
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