Doha Design District, operated by Msheireb Properties, will host an exhibition titled "Designed to Last" from October 28 to November 5, 2026. The exhibit, located in the main atrium at Msheireb Downtown Doha, showcases the work of Moroccan designer Artsi Ifrah, founder and Creative Director of the Marrakech-based cultural house Maison ARTC.
Centered on the theme of longevity in fashion, the exhibition examines the lasting value of garments not only through their craftsmanship but also through the cultural and emotional meanings they carry. Ifrah’s collection features thirteen unique pieces from Maison ARTC, alongside a series of his photographic works. By intertwining Moroccan heritage with contemporary artistic vision, the exhibit encourages visitors to reflect on how clothing can embody memory, identity, and tradition.
The program includes a series of public talks and interactive activities running from October 28 to November 3. The event launches with an invitation-only opening on October 27, featuring an artist talk by Ifrah at 8 p.m., where he will discuss his creative process and philosophy. A live atelier called The Cutting Studio will also operate during the exhibition, providing demonstrations in cultural embroidery and draping techniques. Visitors can engage directly by contributing to a collaborative embroidery installation over October 28 and 29, responding to the question, “What does culture mean to you?” This participatory artwork highlights embroidery as a form of personal and cultural expression.
Panel discussions will further explore fashion’s role in preserving identity. On October 28, a session titled "The Stories We Wear" will include Ifrah, Dr. Tara Desjardins, Senior Curator at Qatar Museums, and Innas Soufan, founder of Arias The Label. They will discuss how garments serve as carriers of memory and narrative. Another panel, "Designed to Last: A Designer’s Perspective," is scheduled for November 3 and will feature Qatari designers Abdulrahman Al Hamad, Saadia Khabab, and Samah Sulyman, who will share insights on the concept of enduring design within their work.
Dana Kazic, Director of Doha Design District, emphasized that the exhibition invites reflection on the value and lasting impact of fashion in a market often dominated by fast trends. She noted the importance of arts and design in Doha’s creative community and spoke of the district’s commitment to promoting innovative, conscious approaches to fashion.
The exhibition is open to the public, with free registration required for certain activities, including the live draping sessions. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take home postcards featuring Ifrah’s photography. Through "Designed to Last," Doha Design District aims to foster dialogue around sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity in fashion.