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Dipti Nair
Doha
After making her mark at the Paris Fashion Week with her debut collection, Qatari designer Hissa al Haddad launched her collection in Qatar at Al Salam Stores at the Gate Mall.
The launch was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Qatar HE Pasquale Salzano.
The shoes, made with high-quality materials, are handmade in Italy and is the product of a year of hard work and partnership between Haddad and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar. It was the Chamber Chairperson Palma Libotte who assisted Haddad and organised her meetings with the Italian government officials, suppliers and manufacturers.
"We offer assistance to Qatari nationals in simple things like general information on Italy to dedicated trips to the country in order to source products directly from manufacturers. It saves them a lot of headache and money. In my 11 years in Qatar, this was the first time that a Qatari woman entrepreneur had approached the Italian Chamber for services. I was fascinated by her determination and as the project involved women's shoes, I was enthusiastic and supported her to find the best shoemakers in Italy," said Libotte.
"Italian SMEs are the backbone of our economy and at this moment when Qatar is focusing on SMEs, our know-how and the 'family-run enterprise style' are elements that can create an ideal synergy for local companies seeking to initiate production. Italians are flexible, able to work under pressure and have an innate passion for style and quality. We are proud to share our expertise with young entrepreneurs. From fashion to jewellery to furniture, we can fully support the ideas of Qatari entrepreneurs allowing them to achieve their goals yet guaranteeing Italian quality and style. The free zone in Manateq and the Made in Qatar programme both represent exceptional opportunities for many successful Italian-Qatari business ventures," said Ambassador Salzano.
"From the moment I chose the manufacturers in Italy, it took almost a year to finalise the collection and the Italian Chamber was always helpful with follow-ups, translations and knowledge of the business culture," said Haddad.
"Hissa conducted the meetings in a very professional manner. She had all the technical questions and details in mind and knew what she wanted. The Italian manufactures were impressed by her and curious about Qatar and they were really friendly," added Libotte.
Offering a glimpse of Islamic architecture and Qatari heritage, the collection titled 'Capsule Collection' features five main designs in different colours.
"The design for the Capsule Collection was mostly inspired by Islamic architecture. I have used gold, jewels and gems which are a part of Qatari fashion and also pearls, which represent Qatar's cultural roots," said Hissa.
The Hissa Haddad brand made its debut at the Paris Fashion Week in October 2017, where it was greatly appreciated.
"The buyers and media in Paris had never seen a Qatari shoe brand before and were very interested to know not just more about the inspiration and the story behind it but also more about Qatar and our culture," she said.
Hissa is now working on her second collection that will be showcased at the London Fashion Week next month.
