VCUQatar Hosts Fashion Rush

The annual ‘Fashion Rush’ is an informal gathering of fashion designers and boutiques, students, potential students and people interested in the fashion industry in Qatar. It is devoted to providing access to the fashion world to VCUQatar’s students while also allowing guests to expand and connect with the nation’s key fashion players in the industry. During the three-hour event experts representing all facets of the industry, including merchandising, marketing and buying speak about their experiences in the industry. This is followed by an open discussion and a Q&A session with the former answering questions about the industry and offering career advice to students.

This year, the Fashion Design department is also hosting renowned New York-based visual artist, producer, and photo editor Liz Brown, who will speak to the gathering about her association with the fashion world as a photographer. Brown will also work with fashion and graphic design students in a two-day workshop following the event.

Dresses made from recycled Megamart plastic bags by freshman students will be on display at the event and Common Thread vendors will showcase and sell new collections. Common Thread is a traveling trunk show that supports local artists and designers by providing them a platform to display and sell their products.

“The event is all about networking among potential students, parents, the broader community, and the informed – those seeking connections in the industry,” says Sandra Wilkins, chair of the Fashion Design department at VCUQatar. “It is an important evening because it is critical that students understand the importance of networking in the fashion industry. We continue to host the event to prepare our students to be a part of the industry.”

While the fashion industry is the largest industry in the world, its presence is still in the early stages in Qatar. However, things are changing with the recent acquisition of Valentino Fashion Group SpA by a private investor group, and with companies like Qatar Luxury Group creating a portfolio of high-end fashion brands. Also young designers in Qatar have made remarkable strides enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit in Doha by opening boutiques.

“By exposing our students to the enormous number of career opportunities that exist within the fashion industry, Fashion Rush is one way of helping to ensure that our students and alumni are actively contributing to the growth of the fashion sector in the country,” says Wilkins.

Fashion Rush will take place on 13 February, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Atrium at VCUQatar. The event is open to the public. For more information, please call +974 44020555 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu