10 new Damas sets celebrate festival

The Damas Akshaya Tritiya Gehna (jewellery) set

Damas, the Middle East’s leading international jewellery and watch retailer, has launched its new Akshaya Tritiya 2012 collection.

Ten new designs have been crafted to welcome the ‘colour of prosperity’ associated with the Indian festival, being celebrated this year on April 24. The word Akshaya means ‘that which never diminishes’ and the belief is that the day is ideal for beginning new ventures and investments made on this day appreciate.

Mira, the classic, Victorian-style pendant and earrings set, is crafted in 18k gold and sterling silver and accompanied with rose cut and single cut.

Drawing inspiration from the rich culture and colours of India, the new Legacy jewellery necklace and earrings set is crafted in 22k yellow gold and accompanied with rose cut diamonds and rubies. The Rangoli jewellery set is designed in 22k yellow gold with rubies and emeralds.

The Gehna Gold collection comprises a necklace and earring ensemble with coloured enamel encrusted in 22k yellow gold. Damas has also created a number of other designs for Akshaya Tritiya and these are available at select Damas outlets until April 24.



Source: Gulf Times

18 firms take part in 2nd bridal fair

DOHA: About 18 exhibitors in the business of designing abayas, traditional white gowns, flower arrangement and other wedding musthaves are taking part in the second Annual Bridal Fair which opened at the InterContinental Doha Hotel on Thursday.

The two-day event was inaugurated by CEO of Souli Qatar Suhaila Rabaia al Harab together with InterContinental Doha management led by Resident Manager Gilles Nicolas and Senior Sales Manager Safia Abdullah Eqab.

“This is the second wedding fair that the InterContinental Doha is organising following the success of the first one last year. This is a great event that makes wedding planning a lot easier with the opportunity of meeting all wedding organisers in one place. Wedding experts present at the venue offer their tips and advice based on their knowledge of the latest trends. Brides and grooms will find everything they need in one venue,’’ Nicolas said on the occasion.

According to Safia, main organiser of the event, the hotel receives weekly wedding bookings with the peak season between January and March, June and July, and during/after the Eid holidays.

She said, “Majority of our clients are locals but we have also organised weddings for other nationalities like Lebanese, Jordanian and Indians. Wedding events are very important occasions particularly for the Qataris. So they go only for the best arrangements and packages.” Majority of the items on display are speciallydesigned abayas that can be worn not only during wedding occasions but also for other special functions.

According to Madam Rajaa of Black Moda Fashion Store, the Qatari ladies are more particular about the materials and the finishing.

Layla of Photokina said their company which is well-known in Kuwait provides a wide range of photography services.

Other exhibitors are Gulf Colours, Exotica, Occasions, Style, Florenza, Massis, Lafinesse, Center Wedding and Larissa.


Source: Qatar Tribune

127 exhibitors to display latest trends in abayas, evening gowns

Al-Mohannadi and a QTA official at the press conference yesterday

Stunning abayas, kaftans and evening gowns from the region’s most talented designers will be on display at the third edition of the Hya (She) exhibition to be held from June 4- 9 at the Doha Exhibition Centre.

More than 127 exhibitors including some 56 from Qatar, Kuwait (16), Bahrain (40), Saudi Arabia (five), UAE (12), will showcase the latest designs and trends for abayas, kaftans and evening gowns during the event being organised by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

The event will include fashion shows and demonstrations as well as the opportunity for visitors to purchase garments and other accessories.

The third edition follows from the two successful Hya exhibitions in 2011, which saw thousands flock to the Doha Exhibition Centre to view the designs on sale and Qatar establish itself as a major player in the fashion market.

QTA Organising Internal Exhibition and Exhibitions Services department head Lahdan Ghanim al-Mohannadi said the event will be the biggest Hya exhibition so far.

“This year, we are gathering more exhibitors from around the region, and especially from Qatar, for the third edition of Hya. The amazing response to the two events held in 2011 shows us that there is a wealth of talent in designing and creating these sometimes spectacular garments, as well as a discerning public looking for new and unique designs,” he said.

Al-Mohannadi mentioned that the previous two editions of Hya saw many visitors from the region travel to Doha not just to exhibit but also attend and see the latest designs.

“With Qatar emerging as a favourite destination for travellers from the GCC, we have deliberately looked to bring designers from the region and North Africa to cater for this demand,” al-Mohannadi said adding: “The exhibition is a great marketing opportunity for young and upcoming designers, especially those from the Gulf region, to reach a wider audience and showcase their talent.”  The exhibition timing is from 10am-1pm and 4pm-10pm daily. More information can be had at www.qatartourism.gov.qa


Source: Gulf Times

2012 menswear predictions; Fashion to get slimline

US menswear manufacturers have noted an increase in male tailored clothing, with slimline suits set to dominate 2012.

A report published December 8 on WWD saw major American menswear retailers highlight an increasing trend towards flattering attire for gentlemen.

American market research company The NPD Group says tailored clothing sales rose more than 11 percent and sales of men’s tailored shirts rose more than 3 percent in the first half of 2011.

Although the trend for slim silhouettes has been attributed to the younger generations, older men are also looking to appear more toned in their attire.

The popularity of slim-style suits and sportswear for all generations has been noted by retailers including Men’s Wearhouse, America’s largest suit seller. The brand’s CEO Doug Ewert explained the increasing popularity of fitted sports coats and dress shirts.

“These looks mostly target a younger customer; however, we’re starting to see growing acceptance among middle-aged customers. A modern fit is cut closer to the body,” he explained.

“Other characteristics include narrower lapels on suits and sport coats and narrower ties.”

Meanwhile, Brooks Brothers’ Lou Amendola explained that customers are “definitely looking for suits in a slimmer silhouette” and in classic colors such as navy, gray and simple pinstripes.

For this reason, the brand will introduce a “youthful sack suit” called the Cambridge in Spring 2012.

Ronny Wurtzburger, president of Peerless Clothing, which produces clothing for labels including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and DKNY, has also predicted a rise in vested clothing, while explaining that shorter length jackets have been driving sales.

“A shorter jacket and tapered pants gives the slim customer a look that is different than his father’s. It’s a very hip look,” he explained. 

Other menswear brands including Hugo Boss, Burberry London and Ralph Lauren Black Label are all known for their slimline tailored suits.

Source: The Peninsula