World Cup

Qatari fashion brand Yasmin Mansour is one of the participants of Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway. Photo: Malak Kabbani
An exciting and unprecedented fashion show is set to take place between the semifinal and final matches of the 2022 Fifa World Cup, as announced by Qatar Creates and CR Runway. On December 16, the Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway global showcase will make history by featuring the works of more than 150 designers from six continents and 50 countries in front of 25,000 spectators at the Ras Abu Aboud 974 Stadium.
This includes 21 Qatar-based brands and more from the MENA region, as well as many emerging designers who will stage their collection globally for the first time. The show has been conceived by Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, curated by the French editor and stylist Carine Roitfeld, and directed by CR Runway CEO Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld.
Entertaining the guests is a lineup of internationally and regionally loved stars including DJ Snake, Kadim Al Sahir, Khaled, Nancy Ajram, Ozuna, Zakes Bantwini, and more. The event will raise funds in support of Education Above All, while all proceeds from the ticket sales will also benefit the non-profit. Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the organization provides educational opportunities to underserved children and youth and empowers women to become active members of their communities.

“It is a singular historic event for Qatar to host this FIFA World Cup, the first to be held in any Arab nation, and only the most spectacular celebration of fashion and culture can match this great occasion,” says HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. “Just as the World Cup brings together people from across the entire globe for the excitement of high athletic achievement, so will Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway be electrifying audiences here in Doha and everywhere with the splendor of this unprecedented creative gathering.”
Held in line with Qatar Creates, the year-long program that uplifts the country’s cultural sector, this first-of-its-kind show will bring together the worlds of fashion, culture, music, and sports on the runway. The event will unfold in four unique and highly choreographed runway presentations, starting with an opening act joined by the national ambassadors of the World Cup’s 32 countries, all sporting customized jerseys. The first act will feature the collaboration between two Qatari brands, Aliya Al Obaidly and Harlienz on a performance titled ‘Where the Sand Touches the Sea’. Inspired by their country’s traditional practices of pearl diving, it will feature a contemporary rendition of the Gulf folk song ‘Tob Tob ya Bahar’ by Qatari composer Hala Al Emadi, performed by Dana.
The second act, dubbed The Fashion World Tour will celebrate designers from six continents, while the third and finale titled One Night in Qatar will showcase haute couture and eveningwear created exclusively by international designers and brands for Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway. The entire event will also see participation from 21 Qatar-based brands presented by M7, including 1309, Ghada Al Buainain, Maryam Al Darwish, Tiiya, Yasmin Mansour, and more.
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