Doha Design District (DDD), under the patronage of Msheireb Properties, will host “Designed to Last,” a fashion exhibition centered on the theme of longevity in design. Opening on October 28, the event will run through November 5 in the main atrium of the Doha Design District at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The exhibition features the work of Moroccan designer Artsi Ifrah, founder and creative director of Maison ARTC, a Marrakech-based couture house known for its unique pieces that blend Moroccan heritage with contemporary artistry. Ifrah’s collection includes thirteen exclusive Maison ARTC looks, accompanied by a series of his photographic works. His creations reflect a belief that culture is dynamic, expressed in his principle: “We Move Culture. We Are Culture.”
The exhibition aims to challenge the rapid pace of fast fashion by encouraging attendees to consider the deeper value and enduring significance of garments. Ifrah’s work emphasizes memory, heritage, and craftsmanship, connecting cultural references from the past with present-day narratives.
The opening event on October 28 will be an invitation-only evening featuring an artist talk at 8 p.m., where Ifrah will discuss his creative process and the philosophy behind his designs. Alongside the exhibition, The Cutting Studio will offer a live atelier with demonstrations in cultural embroidery and draping techniques, providing visitors the opportunity to engage directly with aspects of garment construction. These sessions require prior registration.
From October 28 to 29, between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., visitors can also participate in an embroidery activation by contributing words or symbols in response to the question, “What does culture mean to you?” These contributions will be incorporated into a collaborative embroidered artwork, exploring embroidery as a medium for expressing identity and preserving meaning.
The public program includes two panel discussions at Sada. On October 28 at 4 p.m., “The Stories We Wear” will feature Ifrah alongside Dr. Tara Desjardins, senior curator at Qatar Museums, and Innas Soufan, founder of Arias The Label. The panel will explore how clothing functions as a vessel for memory and personal narratives. On November 3 at 4 p.m., “Designed to Last: A Designer’s Perspective” will bring together Qatari designers Abdulrahman al-Hamad, Saadia Khabab, and Samah Sulyman to reflect on the theme within their own creative practices.
Visitors to the exhibition may also take home postcards showcasing Ifrah’s photography. Admission is open to the public, with free draping sessions available upon registration. The exhibition seeks to engage Doha’s creative community and general audiences in a dialogue about the lasting value and cultural significance embedded in fashion design.