IRTHI showcases Emirati talents on global platform

Sharjah / Emirates Business

The talents of the UAE’S traditional craftswomen and its emerging designers have been successfully highlighted on an international stage following a trade delegation to London. The recently concluded mission, organised by Sharjah-based Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (Irthi), that operates under NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) offered a unique opportunity to showcase and support the creative skills emanating from the United Arab Emirates.
“Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council is delighted with the results of its recent visit to the UK capital, which was instigated to showcase the array of talents of Emiratis working in the fields of both fashion and traditional crafts. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, an affiliate of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, aims to advance womens’ professional and economical state through crafts, and provide access to a global platform to present their work as one of the many initiatives being developed through this unique forum” said HE Ameera BiBinKaram, Vice-Chairperson of NAMA and Chairperson of the Sharjah Business Women Council.
“Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council is currently enjoying a strong relationship with the UK through a number of partnerships, which has resulted in the traditional Emirati art of Talli being incorporated into UK and Emirati designs, and a further eight UAE fashion students taking part in a dedicated tuition programme. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council works to achieve its objectives by forging collaborative ventures and partnership agreements with renowned local and global bodies. What we witnessed in London was the fruition of this policy,” BinKaram added.
The traditional aspects of Emirati culture were highlighted during the trade delegation’s visit with an exclusive preview of the Bidwa ‘One Stitch at a Time’ Tea Set by Sheikha Hind Majid Al Qassimi, founder of ‘Designed by Hind,’ this new finest porcelain serving set has been inspired by the patterns created by the art of ’Talli’ and its woven braids, with the result being a refreshing new Emirati-inspired take on the quintessentially English pastime of serving afternoon tea and with the event being held at the renowned Berkley Hotel, Knightsbridge, London. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of the tea set will go towards supporting the Bidwa Social Development Programme, an initiative run by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council to both empower female artisans socially and economically and to ensure the continuation of the UAE’s traditional crafts.
The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council delegation also drew attention to the more contemporary facets of UAE culture in the UK with an update on its Azyame Fashion Entrepreneurs Programme. Under the initiative eight aspiring UAE fashion designers have embarked on an opportunity to receive a one-year business fashion mentorship at the renowned London College of Fashion, one of the world’s most highly regarded fashion schools.
Since the programme commenced on July 25 this year, the eight fledgling designers have been mentored on how to develop a clear brand DNA through a number of creative workshops, business mentoring activities and industry expert talks, which have all assisted them to create a dynamic blueprint helping to take their businesses to the next level. Results show that each designer now has a strong vision of their brand and a step-by-step plan of how to take their business forward – all of which will be accompanied with a high level of expert mentorship when all Azyame participants are back in the UAE.
“The Azyame Fashion Entrepreneurs Programme is providing an unrivalled opportunity for eight talented UAE fashion entrepreneurs to make their mark on the global fashion stage and we are delighted with their high level of commitment and excellent progress under the scheme so far,” said Sally Denton, Head of programmes and projects at Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council.