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Plans to stage a week-long fashion extravaganza in Bahrain to compare with international events held in Milan, Paris, Dubai, London and New York are going to be tested this week.
Initially the kingdom's plans to showcase the world of new designs, culture and trends will run over three days at the Coral Beach Club in Manama.
The Bahrain Fashion Week is the brainchild of the venue's management and event co-ordinators Lotus Pi with support from the Ministry of Information. Erin Pacoma, creative director of Lotus Pi, said: "We believe Bahrain could become a major player in the world of fashion."
Payal Patel, managing director of Lotus Pi, said: "We are very excited with plans for the opening event which we see as the first stepping stone to competing with major world-renowned fashion events.
"There maybe already Milan, Paris, Dubai, London and New York but we intend to show that Bahrain is not far behind in showcasing new trends and being in vogue."
Chadi Sleiman, general manager of Coral Beach Club, added: "Bahrain has great potential and with this event we want to put the kingdom on the map of fashion.
"We have received a lot of support and the response for this first three-day event has been great. We are planning to make it an annual event - perhaps even staging it twice a year."
The fashion event runs from December 3-5 and will feature leading Arab designers alongside international names over the three days.
Among the first to sign up is celebrated abaya-designer Shjoon. A spokeswoman said: "We have got a great plan for the event where 15 exclusive abayas of Shjoon will be showcased. The designs of Shjoon are created in Japanese fabrics with original Swarovski crystals."
Designers are also flying in from the US, India, the neighbouring Gulf states as well as European design strongholds such as the UK, Ukraine, Germany and The Netherlands.
Sponsors of the event include Nadeem Asghar Ali Parfums, Al Arian Group, Aliyah Marie, supported by Red Bull, Dessange Salon and Spa alongside the Royal University for Women.
Many top designs will also be on sale at the event on the last two days. Ms Pacoma added: "Guests will be able to take a piece of Bahrain Fashion Week into their homes."
The fashion show will begin at 6pm on all three days while the sales exhibition will be officially opened at 6pm on December 3 and will be held from 4pm onwards on December 4 and 5.
