Abu Dhabi: The second instalment of the Emerging Emirati Fashion Designers runway catwalk on Wednesday ended with the announcement of the award for Emerging Emirati Fashion Designer of the Year.
The fashion catwalk was a part of Fashion Arabia Expo, which was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event started on Monday and ended yesterday.
Emerging Emirati designers from both Shaikh Zayed Private Academy and Preston University Ajman as well those with established boutiques such as Kanzi by Shaikha Amal Al Maktoum and Ragha Taryam, showcased their designs alongside international designers from across the region and around the world.
"I'm so happy I won, but I'm not surprised that I did. Everyone was praising my designs ever since they were showcased on Monday's runway show. It took me only one month to put this collection together, and it was done under the theme of 1001 Arabian Nights," Majida Hussain Darwish, a student at Preston University Ajman, said.
"I want to thank the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) for encouraging the talents of Emiratis through such initiatives," she added.
Ever since her collection debuted, Majida has been approached by stores in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah to create designs despite the fact she has only been a student for a month.
"We were looking for a talented, emerging designer, whose quality and professionalism would help take her reputation outside the UAE. Majida fitted this criteria because her creations were high quality, original and they reflected the Emirati culture. They could also be exhibited in an international standard boutique," Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, Project Manager of Emerging Emirati Talent, ADACH, said.
"We want to support Emirati talent because it is through them that people can become aware of our culture, since not many are aware of our traditions. This initiative [Emerging Emirati Fashion Designers] is one way to do that, as fashion plays a big role in any culture."
