Doha, 18 August 2022

By Ashraf Siddiqui

T HE exhibition displays garments designed by Lauren Michelle Morell, a US national and a graduate of Doha Campus of the Virginia Commonwealth University
School of the Arts (VCU-Q).

The exhibition has been organised by M7 in collaboration of the Embassy of the United States in Qatar celebrating 50 years anniversary of diplomatic relations between the US and Qatar.

Talking to Qatar Tribune, the young and passionate designer said the exhibition aims to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion as well as to pay homage to sustainable Qatari Bedouin and indigenous American textile traditions through cross-cultural garments.

She paid her gratitude to the US Embassy and the National Museum of Qatar for their support in organising the exhibition that aims to promote and preserve traditional and sustainable fashion practices.

“I am inherently influenced by US., Latin American, and Qatari cultures. This exhibition brings together various elements through innovative statement  garments made from natural sources and post-consumer waste,” she added.

The ambassador of Greece to the State of Qatar, Madam Eleni Michalopoulou said, “It is a privilege to visit an amazing designs exhibition. This kind of artistic creation is directly related to protecting the environment and using and reusing of material to avoid waste. It is an impressive idea to be adopted.”

She praised the US Embassy in Qatar for its “initiative of leaving behind a source of inspiration for all of us to follow the same path by reusing the material”. The Greek envoy praised Qatar for encouraging young artists to present their ideas and display their creativity.

She said this is the pattern other countries should follow.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Evyenia Sidereas, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy, said that the United States remains committed to supporting
programmes that reduce carbon emissions, improve wastewater production practices, and promote mutual values of self-expression and cultural preservation.

She said that creative people have an enormous role to play in addressing the climate challenges facing our environment and communities today and finding solutions for a more sustainable future. “This exhibition underlines the importance of achieving environment-friendly practices in all fields – including fashion,” she pointed out.

The fashion brand LorenaaMichelle was established in 2019. It infuses Middle Eastern culture with a fashion forward pop of urban Latin fusion. She was brought up all over the world, enriched by many cultures. As a result, her artwork and designs have been inspired by her modern ‘nomadic’ upbringing.

In her exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Madam Yyonne Morell, mother of the passionate designer Lauren Michelle Morell, said it was indeed a fun watching her growing, from childhood. “She has always been a compassionate person, kind, gentle and very transparent loving daughter. I could not ask for anything more. I never had any trouble from her,” said the pride mom.

Talking about her daughter’s inclination towards designing of cloth, she said that right since her childhood, it was her hobby to take her used clothes and design things. Refreshing her memories, Madam Yyonne said that from her grade one, she got the trophy for colouring and later participating in school contests,

Lauren Michelle has been receiving a number of awards for her art works. “From the very beginning, it was in her mind to become a designer the way
I see,” she said. “Therefore, before joining college, she did some courses including on drawing, illustration, fashion and community courses.

On our arrival in Qatar, we thought she has to continue her studies in another country. Fortunately, she got admission in VCU-Q from where she completed her
graduation.”

Culture is one of the most effective tools to bring people closer together, encourage dialogue, and deepen understanding between nations. Under the leadership of its Chairperson, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums (QM) developed the annual ‘Years of Culture’ initiative, an international cultural exchange that deepens understanding between nations and their people. Though formal programming lasts only one year, the ties of friendship that are strengthened and formed are long-lasting