Years of Culture
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2025/01/16
Fashion has been one of the cornerstone themes of this year’s cultural partnership, allowing for deeper connections between Qatari and Moroccan creative communities.
From exclusive exhibitions to glamorous fashion-forward events, this year’s lineup offers a glimpse into how fashion can bring people together and promote important dialogue between cultures.
A highlight of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) held its annual awards ceremony at the historic El Badi Palace in Marrakesh last month.
Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and Co-Chair of Fashion Trust Arabia welcomed designers and esteemed guests to the 6th annual Fashion Trust Arabia (FTA) Prizealongside FTA Co-Founder Tania Fares.
Fashion Trust Arabia is a non-profit organisation committed to promoting emerging designers from the MENA region. Each year, the prestigious awards recognise top talents across categories such as ready-to-wear, evening wear, jewellery, and accessories. This year’s event took on special significance, with a particular focus on Morocco’s creative heritage.
After careful deliberation by a jury of industry experts, seven exceptional designers received recognition and were awarded financial grants as well as mentorship opportunities and retail exposure. The 2024 winners were as follows:
The Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award recognised emerging designer Sylwia Nazzal, and Batoul al-Rashdan was awarded the first-ever Fashion Tech Award, underscoring the growing role of technology in fashion. The Guest Country Award for Spain went to Francisco Barroso & Javier Garcia, spotlighting international collaboration within the FTA framework.
The winners' collections, rich in cultural heritage and innovative design, will be showcased at Harrods and Ounass, broadening their global presence and supporting FTA’s mission to empower emerging designers from the MENA region. The partnership with Years of Culture truly underscores the pivotal role of fashion in fostering mutual understanding across borders.
One of the standout fashion collaborations of the year, Mimia LeBlanc Jewellery debuted a new collection inspired by Moroccan and Amazigh jewellery traditions at the Fashion Trust Arabia event. This exclusive collection commissioned by Years of Culture features pieces that echo Morocco’s jewellery tradition.
The collection was recently featured in Vogue Arabia, garnering widespread attention for its blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. Each contemporary statement piece reflects the designer’s respect for Moroccan craftsmanship, integrating elements like mother-of-pearl, lapis, rubies, and emeralds.
The collection was also displayed at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, in the context of a broader cultural dialogue about Moroccan heritage.
As part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture Moroccan-Dutch designer Mohamed Benchellal presents his exhibition, Sculpting Past Tomorrow, at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). It is the designer's first solo exhibition, having been awarded the evening wear prize of Fashion Trust Arabia in 2021 from Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser.
Known for his dedication to sustainable design and intricate couture, Benchellal has created pieces that draw inspiration from the Qatari landscape, translating natural beauty into unique sculptural garments. This exhibition, on view from 1st November 2024 to 18th January 2025, exemplifies how couture can serve as a tribute to nature, tradition and innovation.
The garments themselves are characterised by draping techniques in Benchellal’s signature style that recall Qatari landscapes. The exhibition is a testament to the craftsmanship and environmentally conscious values that underpin his designs, which bridge artistic heritage with futuristic aesthetics.
The Splendours of the Atlas exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha celebrates Morocco’s cultural legacy through a wide range of artefacts. While not limited to fashion, this landmark exhibition features a section dedicated to Morocco’s traditional clothing, particularly showcasing bridal kaftans and intricate jewellery.
This section, titled “Threads of Tradition,” immerses visitors in Morocco’s artisanal mastery, from leatherwork and textiles to iconic Amazigh jewellery. By presenting these works in a thematic environment inspired by Moroccan marketplaces, Splendours of the Atlas creates an immersive experience that invites visitors to step into Morocco’s vibrant heritage.
The Ektashif: Morocco exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art showcases works by Qatari artists and designers inspired by their recent journey to Morocco. Organised in collaboration with Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the exhibition will run from 2nd November 2024 to 26th February 2025 and features 36 pieces across multiple disciplines, including fashion, jewellery, and visual arts.
The exhibition was visited by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, alongside Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art.
Notable highlights include a gown by Qatari designer Maryam Al-Mutaweh and intricate jewellery by Hamad Al-Mohammed, all reflecting the artists’ immersion in Morocco’s aesthetic traditions and architecture.
During their journey, artists participated in workshops that deepened their understanding of Moroccan arts, from traditional biomorphic designs to the ancient craft of zellij mosaic. Ektashif: Morocco is a compelling example of how travel and cultural exchange can fuel creativity and initiate cultural dialogue.
This year’s Fashion 4 Development (F4D) Banquet held in New York City shone a spotlight on the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. The banquet, attended by international dignitaries and esteemed guests, was part of a broader dialogue on sustainability, cultural heritage and development.
Highlights included the Weaving Hopes exhibition, which showcased artisanal creations by young Moroccan artists supported by the Silatech Foundation. Other displays included traditional Amazigh jewellery and Moroccan caftans, as well as a curated display of vintage haute-couture kaftans. The banquet exemplified the role of fashion as a cultural connector, bringing attention to Morocco and Qatar’s contributions to sustainable development.
As part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, M7, Qatar's epicentre of innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech, will host Not Your Average Label, a pop-up event dedicated to regional designers, including Qatari and Moroccan talents. This curated retail experience will highlight the diversity of fashion talent from Qatar and the MENA region, providing a platform for local designers to showcase and sell their creations. Through this event, M7 reinforces its mission to nurture homegrown talent and support the growth of sustainable fashion enterprises.
"Crafting Design Futures," an exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art, showcases the collaborative works of nine designers from Qatar and Morocco. This exhibition presents pieces developed through the Design Doha Residency Programme, where artists from each country immersed themselves in the other's craft heritage.
Curated by Gwen Farrelly, the exhibition features installations that blend traditional techniques with modern design, alongside a public artwork by Moroccan artist Amine Al Gotibi and exclusive merchandise inspired by the cultural exchange.
The Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture has demonstrated the potential of fashion as a medium for cross-cultural understanding, showcasing the artistry and values of both countries through an array of inspiring events. As the year continues, fashion enthusiasts and cultural aficionados can look forward to even more enriching experiences.
Find more information about upcoming events in Qatar as part of the Years of Culture programme
