The roots of the fashion scene in Qatar: gowns, heels and sneakers

From collectable sneakers to exclusive dresses, Qatar 365 has met some of the established designers, collectors, and fashion entrepreneurs behind some of the most popular fashion items in a country with a huge demand for luxury wear.

Qatari designers have been making their mark on the fashion scene. 

Chemical engineer Layla Al Ansari didn't realise that her hobby would turn into a successful evening wear and bridal gown business with thirteen employees. 

"Fashion is my passion. I'm happy and proud of my team. We all have good ideas to add to our designs based on our own culture and creativity," she told Qatar 365.

For the unique Doha Dreams project, Layla created a gown inspired by the Qatar Museums Dior Exhibition and traditional weaving techniques using palm fronds. 

"Everything here inspires me, the culture, my friends, my family, the sea and the desert, everything," she said.

From collectable sneakers to exclusive dresses, Qatar 365 met some of the established designers, collectors, and fashion entrepreneurs behind some of the most popular fashion items in the country.

One of Doha's most exclusive department stores, Galleries Lafayette, now sells Layla's limited-edition designs. Hissa Haddad, whose shoes are designed in Doha and manufactured in Italy, also has displays there. 

Inspired by Arabic architecture, art and culture, she created her exclusive shoe collection uniquely embellished with embroidery, pearls and gems.

Whether it's hand-picking a shirt from a young Colombian designer or cultivating a new, homegrown talent to showcase in her boutiques, Qatari entrepreneur Amal Ameen truly has built a fashion empire.

 This year she introduced a new concept in Doha's Place Vendome Mall, Amici De Moda, which combines art and