TALENTED Bahrani and British teenagers have created a sensational ‘BAHR-IT LOOK’ which will be displayed this Saturday in superb style by professional models with the help of a celebrated choreographer.
The GulfWeekly was invited to a sneak preview of the show and managed to capture exclusive photographs of a small selection of the sensational outfits from the collection.
The project had a simple aim – to enable resident Bahraini and British youth aged between 15-18 years with an inclination towards design and fashion to come together and work in fashion design workshops.
The workshop leaders were Wafeeq Sulaibikh and Sima Ahmed, two renowned Bahraini fashion designers and Bridget Penrose-Lyall, head of design and technology at the British School of Bahrain.
Ultimately, through this project, the British Council hoped to allow Bahraini and British youth to share their cultures and experiences with one another while providing them with an opportunity to train with world-class professionals from the fashion world.
Thirteen participants selected on the basis of their skill and passion learned the “nitty-gritty” of design and worked together to design and produces one outfit each that brought together the influences and trends of the Arab and Western fashion world.
The attempt to bring Britain and Bahrain together is everywhere - participants, trainers, project managers, music, choreography, food and entertainment.
Bahraini Rose Murad, 14, from Sanad, had a passion for Victorian fashion and was delighted to be given the opportunity of combining her love of traditional Arabic embroidery to a stunning evening dress.
She said: “I’m very pleased with the outcome and wanted something that would look and feel special to wear.”
Her gown was modelled by her auntie, Noor, a 24-year-old doctor, for the pre-show photo shoot and is featured on Page 1.
Rose has become good friends with Fatima Al Alaiwat, 17, who was born in Wales, who explained: “The whole experience has been rewarding and we’ve made great friends with the Bahraini girls who we may not have had the opportunity to meet without this project.
“Everyone I have met is so talented and has something to offer the fashion industry.”
Bahraini Sara Saeed, 17, said: “It been great fun too and we’ve even been able to teach the British girls some Arabic which has been funny to hear them pronounce!”
And Hadeel Anabtawi, 17, who was born in Jordan and describes herself as half Welsh and half Lebanese, added: “We’ve all mixed well and have spent a lot of time together – it’s been excellent to talk and share ideas.”
The Fashion Show – choreographed by Wafeeq, a prominent Bahrain fashion designer who has shown in the Gulf, Bahrain and Rome – and conducted by Sima Ahmed and Bridget Penrose, will take place on 24 March at 7 pm at the Royal University for Women, Riffa.
‘Designing Cultures’ will be the culmination of the fashion project. Professional models will sashay in the outfits which will be judged by special guests from the fashion industry.
The two winning young designers will be invited to attend a summer fashion course at the prestigious London College of Fashion in the United Kingdom.
Alongside the fashion show will be a performance of hip hop style dancing accompanied by live music. DJ Omran from Radio Bahrain is playing the music for the fashion show. There will also be a raffle draw and buffet dinner.
Judges include Pauline Franckel, Dean of Further Education and Foundation Portfolio, London College of Fashion, Sandra Hamrouni, Director, British Council Bahrain, Rakia Al-Zayani, Director, S.M.R. Garments Ltd., Rashid Oraifi, Owner of the Rashid Al-Oraifi Museum, Muharraq and Ms Hind Khalid, fashion design instructor, Royal University for Women.
The event has been sponsored by sponsors Bahrain Television Corporation, British School of Bahrain, Gulf Air; Gulf Hotel, Jawad Fashion Group, Qatar Airways and Royal University for Women and Unicom Graphics. The profits will be donated to the Leo Club who will then donate it to an appropriate local charity.
Tickets to the fashion show are just BD5. Call 39966841 for reservations.
Stan Szecowka
Sandra Hamrouni, Director, British Council Bahrain, said: “We see the arts as an integral part of intercultural dialogue between people in the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Our Arts work encourages intellectual and cultural partnerships, understanding and exchange. Through this we aim to stimulate dialogue, challenge stereotypes and influence perceptions which people hold about each others’ cultures. Specifically the Designing Cultures project brings British and Bahraini young people together to share ideas about fashion, its cultural aspects and their societies.”
Sonali Vatwani, Project Manager, British Council, said: “The project has been nothing less than fantastic. The participants started off as strangers with little knowledge of fashion designing. Just two months later, they have not only become good friends but have also designed their very own unique outfits. They have worked extremely hard and I am very proud of them. These workshops have only been possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of the three trainers who have put in countless hours of their own time to develop the participants’ skills and to the Royal University for Women who have kindly loaned us their venue for the classes. This has been one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable projects of my career.”
Bridget Penrose-Lyall, head of design and technology at The British School of Bahrain, said: “Fashion is an important part of many people’s lives. What-ever your age most people are effected by fashion in some way – be it the wearing of it, designing it, making it or just plain observing the changes that occur each year. What we wear says a lot about us as individuals.
“By combining the cultural influences in the Bahraini fashion and those of the British fashion an exciting new style can be formed. This project encourages the students to work together and gain insights to each others world. This can only help to harmonise the relationship between the two cultures.”
THE stars of the show will be the teenage designers, centre picture, namely
■ Zoe Beth McMurdo, St Christopher’s School
■ Fatima Al Samahiji, Isa Town Secondary School
■ Safa Bader, Naseem International School
■ Fatima Al Alaiwat, St Christopher’s School
■ Sara Saeed, Naseem International School
■ Najla Bastaki, Naseem International School
■ Hadeel Anabtawi, St Christopher’s School
■ Fatima Hassan, Al Marifa Secondary School
■ Amani Abdali Tareef, Jidhafs Secondary Girls School
■ Amani Al Asfoor, St Christopher’s School
■ Grace Etches, St Christopher’s School
■ Rose Murad, Bahrain Bayan School
■ Zeinab Abdali Tareef, Sanabis Intermediate Girls School
