Pop-up exhibition Officials during Beyond Borders: Textile Heritage.
Doha: M7 presents the pop-up exhibition “Across Borders: Textile Heritage”, designed by Lauren Michelle Morell.
The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion and pay homage to Qatar’s sustainable Bedouin and indigenous American textile traditions through cross-cultural clothing.
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Qatar, the exhibition is funded by a grant from the US Department of State. The pop-up exhibition, located in the QC Hub on the M7 on the first floor, is open to visitors until August 30.
Rooted in both Qatari and Native American cultures, Beyond Borders: The Textile Legacy showcases innovative approaches to preserving traditional and sustainable practices, highlighting Qatari sadu weaving and Native American patterns. In contrast to the production of modern fashion, the garments embody traditional, environmentally friendly textiles and promote the legacy of zero-waste processes.
Lauren and her weaving partner, Sarah Hannibal, invite viewers to trace Qatari and American traditions and reflect on the sourcing and sustainable application of textiles and fabrics. In addition to the clothing, the exhibition features a short documentary tracing the traditions of sadus, filmed in collaboration with Heenat Salma Farm and Caravane Earth. The exhibition focuses on heritage conservation, sustainability and diversity, achieving the ethos of cultures in harmony.
Commenting on the exhibition, Chargé d’Affaires Evyenia Sidereas, US Embassy in Doha, said: “Sustainable fashion is no longer a trend; it is a necessity. Makers have a big role to play in addressing the climate challenges facing our environment and communities today and finding solutions for a more sustainable future.
This exhibition highlights the importance of achieving environmentally friendly practices in all fields, including fashion.
The United States remains committed to supporting programs that reduce carbon emissions, improve wastewater management practices, and promote the mutual values of self-expression and cultural preservation.”
Fashion designer Lauren Morell said: “As a third culture citizen, I am fundamentally influenced by the cultures of the US, Latin America and Qatar. This exhibition brings together different elements through innovative clothing made from natural resources and post-consumer waste. It has been an honor to have the support of individuals and organizations that promote heritage preservation and sustainable fashion, especially the US Embassy in Qatar and M7.”
Lauren Michelle Morell is a contemporary fashion designer whose works are inextricably linked to redefining tradition. She is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar. She created her fashion brand LorenaaMichelle in 2019, which infuses Middle Eastern culture with a pop of urban Latin fusion fashion. She grew up all over the world, enriched by many cultures. As a result, her artwork and designs are inspired by her modern ‘nomadic’ upbringing.
