M7, Printemps Doha launches retail incubator programme for Qatar-based fashion designers

M7, Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in fashion and design, and Printemps Doha, set to be the largest luxury department store in the region when it opens in the third quarter of this year, have announced the inception of The Collective. A three-month mentorship programme designed by M7 in strategic partnership with Printemps Doha, The Collective aims to guide selected Qatar-based established and up-and-coming designers through their creative process while enabling them to have a better understanding of the business of fashion – connecting them with industry experts, offering them one-on-one mentorship and ultimately, preparing them for their entry into the retail market.

Following an initial screening process, 14 selected participants with categories comprising women's wear, abayas and kaftans, evening wear, casual wear, and accessory brands, will be invited to introduce their brand and present samples from their latest collection in September to a jury panel composed of fashion industry experts and retail professionals from M7 and Printemps Doha.The jury will shortlist seven designers who will receive the exclusive opportunity to showcase their brand and sell their capsule collection in a dedicated M7 x Printemps Doha concept space following a three-month long preparation period which will include workshops and coaching sessions.In a press statement, M7 director Maha al-Sulaiti said: “We are excited to partner with Printemps Doha to provide emerging designers in Qatar with an amazing opportunity to showcase their skills to the global community and highlight the nation’s rapidly evolving fashion and creative landscape. A one-of-its-kind initiative, The Collective is at the core of our mission at M7 to champion the careers of Qatar’s design talents, and we look forward to our collaboration with Printemps Doha to further strengthen and accelerate the growth of the local fashion economy”. Printemps Doha general manager Thierry Prevost added: “This partnership initiative with M7 is a significant one and reflects our commitment at Printemps to engage with and support designers. Our mutual goal is to empower them through mentorship and curated workshops, to encourage their creativity, support their entrepreneurship skills and more importantly, to offer them a dedicated commercial platform and retail visibility where they can showcase their brand at a leading luxury fashion department store. This will provide for the selected designers a great opportunity to meet customers in a dedicated selling space”.