VCUarts Qatar Fashion Design graduates and students collaborate with Liberty London’s Flagship Store

In a remarkable partnership, the University’s Fashion Design graduates and students worked with the prestigious Liberty London flagship store on Regent Street in London to create a unique collection of abayas. 

The designs were on display at the heritage-listed Tudor-revival-style building from August 12 to September 2, 2024. 

The collaboration allowed the young designers to showcase their talent on an international platform. What’s more, in addition to being displayed at Liberty London’s flagship store, the collections will also be exhibited at the Doha Design District, and at the British Council’s 90th-anniversary celebration in Doha, later this year.

The designers involved in this collaboration include Aanji Speldewinde, Aatikah Al-Thani, Alfutoon Al-Said, Fatima Al-Siddiqi, Fay Alsharif, Halah Mahmoud, Maha Al-Rabaan, Maya Yatim, Samah Sulyman, and Wadha Al Attiya.

The abayas combined traditional Middle Eastern attire with contemporary textile design, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and the designers’ creative vision.

Speldewinde shared her experience: “We were tasked with designing abayas using fabrics provided by Liberty London. We were required to work as a team and submit two designs per team. It was an excellent chance to collaborate with my friend and former classmate Alfutoon. 

“Liberty London supplied us with jacquard and silk, in the same print. We created an abaya each in jacquard and silk to explore both fabrics’ potential, and allow Liberty to appreciate the contrast that each material offered.”

Mindful that the UK audience might not be as familiar with the various abaya styles as consumers in the Middle East, Speldewinde and Alfutoon kept the designs simple. They went for minimalist, straight silhouettes with no additional cuts or details, ensuring the garments draped elegantly on the mannequins. 

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Speldewinde said she couldn’t think of a more memorable way to conclude her studies at VCUarts Qatar.  

She said, “We are both incredibly proud of our teamwork and the challenges we overcame. Concluding our senior year with such a significant achievement demonstrates the value of hard work and dedication.”