WATCH: Russian Seasons – The fashion event joining Qatar and Russia together by their cultural seams
‘Russian Seasons’ is upon us and Qatar is in the midst of embracing some of the finest aspects of Russian culture. And with good reason, this year is the ‘Year of Culture’ between Qatar and Russia.
As part of the ‘Year of Culture’ celebrations, a number of Russia’s acclaimed fashion designers are here in Qatar. The designers are here to showcase and celebrate contemporary Russian fashion design and craftmanship. The ‘Russian Seasons’ fashion exhibition is being hosted by Qatar Museums at Doha Fire Station. The exhibition is currently running from the 16th – 23rd October, 9am – 7pm, and entrance is free to the public.
The exhibition opened on the 16th October for a VIP fashion show. Qatar Living was there to watch the events unfold. Check out the video below for a glimpse of the striking and distinctive styles on show:
Guests at the fashion show had an opportunity to view an exclusive demi-couture collection by Tatyana Parfionova, a well-known Russian fashion designer. Tatyana’s collection was created especially for the event. Models for the collection wore natural pearl pieces provided by Alfardan Jewelry, from the private collection Hussein Ibrahim Alfardan, Chairman of Alfardan Group. The beautifully put together ‘Blooming’ collection displayed a myriad of vivid and colourful creations, festooned with striking floral embroideries and laces. The dresses reflected, not only an expressive interpretation of Russia’s traditional national dress, but also Tatyana’s love of nature, flora and fauna.
A retrospective exhibition, of items from previous design collections by Vika Gazinskaya, also opened at the event. Vika Gazinskaya is one of Russia’s most prominent and internationally acclaimed fashion designers, whose designs have been seen on influential celebrities around the world. The stunning exhibition from Vika showcases the brands most complex and iconic pieces. The collection by Vika is available for guests to view in the Gallery Space of Doha Fire Station until the 23rd October.
Curated by Frol Burimsky, the event also features an installation by Krestetskaya Strochka. The installation presents rare samples of authentic Russian folk craft from the town of Velikiy Novgorod. Fashion is a natural place for art, history and culture to mix. The Krestetskaya Strochka collection provides an excellent illustration for guests to see how, historically, artisanship and tradition formed Russian fashion.
The ‘Year of Culture’ is a year-long cultural exchange programme, developed by Qatar Museums (QM). The programme has been running since 2012 and is designed to strengthen ties between two countries, and deepen the mutual understanding of each other’s nations through the exchange of art, heritage, culture and sport. Qatar has celebrated the ‘Year of Culture’ with Japan, the UK, Brazil, Turkey, China and Germany to date. The 2018 programme between Qatar and Russia has been developed under the guidance of QM’s chairperson, HE Sheika Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
This year’s cultural events have included, and will include, exhibitions, festivals, events and performances both in Russia and in Qatar. Qatar recently presented ‘Qatari Seasons’ in Moscow, the first and reportedly very successful Qatari fashion designer’s event in Russia. Other Qatari events in Russia will include, an on-going pearl exhibition in Moscow showcasing the history of pearls, a contemporary art and photography exhibition in St Petersburg, and a cultural event in Moscow to celebrate Qatar National Day. Here in Qatar, a Russian film screening will run from October to November. And, a Russian Festival of dance, performing arts, music, art and food will run from 1st-4th November. Both events will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art.
For more information, visit the Qatar Museums web page: www.qm.org.qa
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