AILYN AGONIA

DOHA A BRIDAL gown worth QR55,000 by Hollywood designer Vera Wang and another exquisitely-designed gown by Pronovias worth more than QR58,000 are among the must-see items at the 5th International Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show (IWED) Doha which opened at the Doha Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.

The first world-renowned designer in the Middle East Robert Abi Nader and British designer and bridal author Sarah Haywood led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the country’s biggest annual wedding event open to the public until April 7. Japan’s Ambassador to Qatar HE Kenjiro Monji and wife were also present.

A wide array of fashion brands from the GCC and other countries are being showcased as part of the wedding expo.

“Robert Abi Nader will be showing his new collection here with a view to expanding into the Qatari market and using this fashion show as the springboard to launch his marketing foray into Doha” Chief Operating Officer for Qatar Expo, the organisers of IWED2012, Georges Saliba said on the occasion.

Abi Nader’s fashion show was an exclusive event held at Al Gassar Resort Doha after the inauguration of the exhibition.

From accessories to wedding gowns and dresses for entourage, wedding destination and other wedding must-haves can be checked and purchased at the event.

Wedding destinations in the country such as St Regis Doha and Hillton Doha are among the featured exhibitors.

For the cocktail dresses and bridal gowns, first time exhibitor in the country Rita Pateroni Boutiques from Greece brings in new concepts of dresses for the bride and her female entourage.

“We noticed that our design concepts are new to this country. We are happy to be here to cater to the Qatari market for the first time through this event. We are also keen on opening our shop in this country,” owner Rita Pateroni said.

The dresses and gowns of the 35- year- old family-owned Greek brand ranges from $390 to $1300 for dresses and $3200 to $5000 for wedding gowns.

Rania Hatoum, brand manager of Pronovias, said that elegantlydesigned wedding gowns are the hottest trend in the industry.

Gowns made of lace, silk and chiffon and those with boleros are in demand in the market. The brand has a shop in Villaggio and recently opened one at Lagoona Mall.

Meanwhile, iWED will have seven fashion shows unveiled by top brands. Thursday (April 5) is a ‘ladies only’ day with three fashion shows lined up by Ali Beydoun, Al Mothahajiba and Pronovias from 6:30 to 9pm. On Friday, there will be a second fashion show by Pronovias followed by Hadi Katra from 7:30 to 9pm.

The closing day on Saturday will host Ibrahim Khachans’ fashion show followed by a second fashion show by Al Mothahajiba from 6:30 to 8pm.