On May 15, 2023 Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums inaugurated the Zwara: focus on ‘Forever Valentino’ Exhibition sponsored by Interspace, at M7, Qatar’s epicenter for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion, and technology. The exhibition showcases the collections of the thirteen designers enrolled in the third edition of the Zwara Programme.
Commenting on the opening of the exhibition, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of yet another exceptional exhibition at M7, showcasing the creative talents of our local and Qatar-based designers. Building upon the legacy of the Forever Valentino exhibition, this unique showcase embodies the enduring influence of Maison Valentino and its values. M7 is committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of designers by promoting collaboration, cross-cultural and disciplinary exchange, and storytelling through design. We are proud to provide a platform for emerging creatives to develop their skills and showcase their vision.”
The Zwara Programme is a multifaceted programme that seeks to spark creativity and collaboration in aspiring creatives against the backdrop of Qatar’s creative landscape. Held yearly, the programme highlights the importance of storytelling and experimentation in design, inviting creatives to explore exhibitions, archives, and collections and then respond to a design brief.
This year, thirteen designers were selected across various design disciplines, and were paired into six groups to encourage collaboration and dialogue between fashion and other design disciplines.
The thirteen designers on this year’s Zwara programme are:
- Rabab Abdulla – (Multidisciplinary Designer, Fashion Designer)
- Alaa Albarazy – (Urban Designer, XR Designer)
- Surabhi Gaikwad – (Artist)
- Sonali Raman – (Fashion Designer)
- Maryam Al Suwaidi – (Product Designer)
- Mohammed Al Suwaidi – (Architecture, Fabrication, 3D Design)
- Nia Alexander Campbell – (Artist)
- Maha Al Mahsana – (Fashion designer)
- Tamader Al Sultan – (Fashion Designer)
- Amna Al Baker – (Multidisciplinary Artist)
- Farjana Salahuddin – (Interactive and New Media Artist)
- Fatima Al Sharshani – (Calligrapher)
- Dana Al Mulla – (Fashion Designer)
The selected participants were invited to attend a series of exclusive exhibition curated tours and workshops conducted by M7 and also had the opportunity to travel to participate in an optional 3 day-long programme led by the Valentino team at their Atelier in Rome, Designers engaged with Valentino team to understand the context of the Valentino brand, and visited the Ateliers, Historical Archive and were given a brief about Valentino’s Journey. This opportunity allowed participants to garner inspiration from the internationally acclaimed fashion house, and explore the codes and heritage of the Maison in their designs
“The Zwara Programme is tailor made with the aim to connect the global to the local by making our blockbuster exhibitions accessible to aspiring local and Qatar-based designers. We’re also proud that our industry partners such as Valentino recognise the importance of transferring their knowledge and share their legacy with the next generation of designers,” Maha Al Sulaiti, M7 Director said.
M7 is committed to connecting Qatar’s diverse design community and providing opportunities to emerging creatives. The exhibition is sponsored by Qatari interior fit-out company, Interspace who worked collaboratively with Qatar-based exhibition designers.
“It is a pleasure to work alongside Qatar-based designers and support the growth of the creative indusrty in Qatar. Interspace are proud to sponsor the third edition of the Zwara Program” said John Allan, Interspace and Al Manjara manager.
Zwara: focus on Forever Valentino is open from 15 May 2023 until 10 September at the Creative Learning Space, on Floor 1 at M7. The exhibition is now open Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, and Friday: 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM.
To keep up with the latest at M7, visit https://m7.org.qa/en/ or follow @m7.qatar on Instagram.
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