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A Fitting Farewell of Fashion and Music to a Beautiful Stadium

A celebration of fashion, music and culture that brought together 150 local, regional and international designers as the people of Doha rocked to music by names as renowned as Post Malone, DJ Snake, Zakes, Nancy Ajram and Khaled. What was spectacular that night was how music and sports brought together talents from the world in a united platform where diversity was celebrated.

The night was special in many ways. Talented Qatari designers who have a reputation locally and regionally, made it to the international stage amongst some of the most acclaimed and iconic names in fashion. In a well-orchestrated event set in a runway that gave maximum views from all angles to the viewers perched on the most beautiful stadium setting, the Stadium 974, which will soon be dismantled, making history of a new kind.

Qatar Fashion United By CR Runway, presented by Qatar Creates and CR Runway, showcased over 150 designers from six continents and 50 countries, featuring renowned names in fashion and regional and international music superstars. The mammoth show in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 20,000 spectators at Stadium 974, two days before the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ finals.

QFU by CR Runway was an embracement of tradition and heritage in a contemporary context. It will celebrate some of the country’s most acclaimed fashion designers and highlight tomorrow’s locally-based design talents whose specialties in contemporary wear and accessories are reinventing the fashion and design scene in Qatar – and around the globe.

Aliya Al Obaidly of Aliya Obaidly Official and Haya Al Adsani of Harlienz – credit Qatar Museums

The Qatar-based talents included two well-renowned brands: Aliya Al Obaidly Official and Harlienz, that have partnered up to curate a symbolic and unique special performance, showcasing their luxurious couture pieces. The collaboration was accompanied by a musical piece composed by Hala Al Emadi and vocals by Qatari singer Dana.

The brands spotlighted on the runway include: Trzi Official accessorised by Hairaat Jewellery, Lorenaa Michelle, Nayla Al Thani, Aldukan, Wit Noiz accessorized by Ghada Albuainain Official, Maryam Al Darwish, Mhefhef accessorized by Kaltham’s Pavilion, By Tamader Alsultan accessorised by Ghada Albuainain Official, Drizzle accessorized by Hairaat Jewellery, Muna Saad Official, WADHA, Yasmin Mansour, 1309, WAAD Designs, and Tiiya.

Nayla Al Thani, a local favourite, used left over bits from a local Bisht tailor to create a stunning outfit.

Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway was conceived by H E Sheikha Mayassa Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, curated by the French editor and visionary stylist Carine Roitfeld, and directed by CR Runway CEO Vladimir Roitfeld. This will be the third edition of CR Runway, following CR Runway x LuisaViaRoma in Florence in 2019 and the CR Runway x AmfAR virtual show to raise awareness about COVID-19 in 2020.

Speaking at the side-lines of the event, Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa said: “Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway celebrated music, fashion, art and architecture in the unique 974 stadium.  An accumulation of years of hard work, QFU brought together people from all corners of the world, demonstrating the true power of culture — bringing together disciplines of fashion, music, art, heritage and football to connect people and transcend borders. There could have been no better time to celebrate fashion and football than now, in the final days of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and I am so proud of all we have achieved – especially the Qatari and regional designers whose creativity and talent will lead the way for the future of fashion in the region.”

David Beckham, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Ronaldo – credit Qatar Museums

All proceeds from the show will benefit Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that provides educational opportunities to underserved children and youth, and empowers women to become active members of their communities.