“Across Borders: Textile Heritage” Exhibition by Fashion Design Alumna Lauren Morell at M7

August 10, 2022
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Lauren M7

Exhibition showcases innovative approaches to preserving traditional and sustainable practices, highlighting Qatari sadu weaving and indigenous American patterns

M7, a center for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech in the Msheireb district of Doha, is hosting an exhibition by Fashion Design alumna Lauren Morell, titled, “Across Borders: Textile Heritage”.

The exhibition focuses on heritage preservation, sustainability, and diversity, achieving the ethos of cultures in harmony, and aims to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion, and pays homage to sustainable Qatari Bedouin and indigenous American textile traditions through cross-cultural garments.

“Across Borders: Textile Heritage” showcases innovative approaches to preserving traditional and sustainable practices, highlighting Qatari sadu weaving and indigenous American patterns.

In contrast to modern fashion production, the garments embody traditional, environmentally friendly textiles and promote the legacy of zero-waste processes.

Lauren and her weaving collaborator, Sarah Hannibal, invite viewers to trace the traditions of Qatar and the Americas and reflect on sustainable sourcing and application of textiles and fabrics.

“As a third-culture citizen, I am inherently influenced by U.S., Latin American, and Qatari cultures,” Lauren said. “This exhibition brings together various elements through innovative statement garments made from natural sources and postconsumer waste. It has been an honor having the support of individuals and organizations which promote heritage preservation and sustainable fashion – particularly from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar and M7.”

Commenting on the exhibition, Chargé d’Affaires Evyenia Sidereas, at the U.S. Embassy Doha, said: “Sustainable fashion is no longer a trend; it is a necessity. Creatives have an enormous role to play in addressing the climate challenges facing our environment and communities today and finding solutions for a more sustainable future. This exhibition underlines the importance of achieving environmentally-friendly practices in all fields – including fashion.“

In addition to garments, the exhibition features a short documentary tracing the traditions of sadu, filmed in collaboration with Heenat Salma Farm and Caravane Earth by Umair Sharif, Dya Alomari and Mohammed Shams.

The pop-up exhibition, located in QC Hub at M7 on the ground floor, is open to visitors until August 30.

The exhibition is funded by U.S. Embassy Qatar in celebration of the 50th anniversary of U.S. and Qatar diplomatic relations, and was attended by Chargé d’Affaires Evyenia Sidereas from the US Embassy, and AlDana Al Mesnad, Business Development Coordinator III, Msheireb Cultural Forum (M7).

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