Making a statement in style

Bright colours and fancy fabrics adorned the catwalk at the third annual Art & Design Exhibition staged by students of the Royal University for Women, reports Mai Al Khatib.

Over 100 fashion enthusiasts attended the glamorous event that highlighted the designs of first and second year fashion design students.

The collection displayed reflected the different techniques and concepts that the students had learned throughout the year.

A variety of unique and colourful outfits ranging from traditional inspired clothing to out-of- the-box dresses by using materials such as paper clips, pebbles and rubber mats!

Fashion design students also shared the limelight with the graphic design and interior design students as their work was displayed in the exhibition hall for all friends and family to see.

They were assigned the task of designing and fully furnishing an exhibition hall while keeping the lighting and layout to display their work in mind.

Aisha Duaij Al Khalifa, 22, (left) second year bachelor arts student in fashion design, from Riffa:

I have always loved fashion and designing so I decided to major in what I love. Being a part of this programme is really great for me.

It is a wonderful experience and I hope to become a big fashion designer one day. I not only learned how to design clothing but accessories as well. I am planning on starting my own fashion label and am thinking of calling it Aisha D K.

My style is mostly ready-to-wear and practical clothing. I tend to use bright colours in my designs and I also create accessories.

Khulood Khalaf, 20, (left)_third year bachelor arts student in fashion design, from Mahooz:

I want to be a part of the fashion industry because of the glamour behind it. I like how clothing fits the female form so well.

It inspires me to design. My style is colourful with many details and accessories. I want to become a big local fashion designer and making a name internationally. I find that my designs have an edge to them and are unique because of my use of funky materials and colours.

I am not traditional when it comes to fashion.

Fatima Faisal Alabsi, 20, (right)_second year bachelor arts student in fashion design, from Riffa:

I wish to be a designer some day. I see a lot of Western women designers but not many Arab women designers and that is what I want to be - a designer for Arab women.

I always look for something creative and crazy. I had designed the zipper dress and the paper clip dress. I have always had a flare for fashion and I tend to play around with my designs till I am satisfied.

I do follow trends but I make them my own. I would love to open a small shop at the beginning and work my way up.

Halla Khalifa Al Khalifa, 23, (left)_second year bachelor arts student in fashion design, from Riffa:

I have always had a passion for fashion and since I wear the hijab I am always trying to find new looks to compliment my culture and my principles. To spice up my wardrobe I layer up and accessorise. The layers allow for good contrast between materials and colour.

I create clothing for Arab women. Although my style is conservative, I still like to play with bold and bright colours. Silver metallic is my favorite. This programme is just the beginning for me. I am planning to open my own boutique when I am done and hopefully in Riffa.