VCUQatar Presents its Fourteenth Annual Fashion Show ‘Fingerprint’

‘Fingerprint’ showcased the work of VCUQatar fashion design sophomores, juniors and five seniors – Basra Bashir, Dana Masoud, Oulla Al-Samarrae, Rabab Abdulla and Sultana Jesmine – featuring a range with components of the ethnic, handcrafted, modern, eclectic, architectural and glamorous.

The senior thesis collection was an eclectic mix of day to evening looks and consisted of a minimum of 10 looks that reflected the individual aesthetic of each student and reinforced their individual vision, creativity and styles.

Sultana Jesmine’s collection entitled Deviant Minimalist explored the superimposition of simplicity, elegance, freedom and comfort that a woman aspires, with accents of playfulness and energy. With overtones of ethnic in her Timeless Blend collection, Rabab Abdulla sought to create an attitude of an all-time active person, who always brings a positive vibe to the people around her. Oulla Al-Samarrae used basic silhouettes and simple colors to create a softly tailored collection that reflect her own personal style, which she describes as simple, elegant, sophisticated and youthful. Rich colors, a combination of lush and embroidered fabrics, and flawless construction marked Dana Masoud’s contemporary designs. Basra Bashir’s collection, Monarchy embodied a mesh of cultures and styles for fashionistas on the lookout. “My objective was to create an ambiance as if the runway was at an actual royal palace,” she said.

The sophomore children’s wear collections showcased under the theme Patterns featured all kinds of patterns – from surface decorations to motif repetitions, florals, geometrics and abstracts as well as the pattern pieces that formed the outlines or shaping of their garments – that they were inspired by. The Junior Collection combined the universal appeal of denim with the individuality of each designer. The versatility of denim was explored and interpreted through the unique perspective and talent each designer brought to the project, making for an exciting new take on this ageless fabric. The creative and experimental collections of ensembles/dresses, suits, sportswear pieces that formed the senior fall collection, Illusions, featured simple but sophisticated silhouettes where extraordinary detail was the charge.

New-York based guest designer Eric Gaskins’s, whose collection opened the show, featured luxurious evening pieces, clearly reiterating why his classic style is so popular with celebrities such are Salma Hayek, Natalie Portman, Sharon Stone and Kim Cattrall among others.

VCUQatar’s Golden Needle Awards, given to the most outstanding students in the fashion design department, were presented during the show to the students – Kinda Morshed for Best Children’s Collection, Dylon Sergei Adonis for Most Outstanding Sophomore, Hisham Dawoud for Best Junior Collection, Maha Ghanim Al-Kuwari for Most Outstanding Junior, Dana Masoud for Most Outstanding Senior and Rabab Abdulla for Most Outstanding Senior Collection. The show also acknowledged the contributions of VCUQatar Linda Smith-Turczyn, adjunct professor in the Fashion Design department; Victoria Bleick, image resource curator at VCUQatar; and guest designer Eric Gaskins who were presented with the Friends of Fashion awards. The award is given annually to individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to VCUQatar’s Fashion Design department.

The Salam Fashion Award, introduced this year by Salam International Investments Chairman and CEO Issa Abu Issa, to support a graduate’s transition from student designer to a career in design was presented to Dana Masoud. The award includes mentoring in the development and design of two bespoke collections which will be sold exclusively within a dedicated space in Salam Stores, Doha.

For the third consecutive year, the W Doha Hotel and Residences sponsored the W Doha Fashion Award, presented to the most outstanding and innovative VCUQatar fashion design student of the year. Clara De Lama, director of marketing at the W Doha, presented the award to Rabab Abdulla. The award includes the opportunity to use W Doha, and another W Hotel around the globe, as a platform to showcase her collections at various events happening throughout the year.

The final sponsored award of the evening was presented by Texture Boutique to Sultana Jesmine and gives her the exclusive opportunity to showcase her collection at the lavish concept boutique for one month later this year. Texture Boutique is the brainchild of Kholoud and Dana Al Mana, both graduates of VCUQatar. “As a graduate of VCUQatar, I’m really happy to be a part of this celebration of fashion. At Texture, we encourage young designers; the boutique is a hub for local designers, a place where they can express their potential,” said Kholoud.

For the first time this year, the 14-member jury comprising sponsors Salam, the W Doha and Texture Boutique, besides other industry professionals, who select the designs that go into the show, eliminated none of the garments during the final juried round.

The fashion show is part of the annual activities of VCUQatar’s fashion design program, to develop the country’s growing fashion industry, with support from Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. ‘Fingerprint’ was the culminating academic project for Fashion Design students at VCUQatar, and every aspect – from the jury-selected student designs and model try-outs to show production – reflected their academic and creative efforts while launching senior fashion students from student life into successful careers. This celebration of fashion brought together spectators, friends, and fashion enthusiasts from the region, not only to judge and/or admire the collections of the students, but also for the unique atmosphere of this grand defilé.