Doha - Young Qatari designer Hissa Al Haddad launched her own line of Italian made luxury women's shoes yesterday at Salam Stores in The Gate Mall. The Hissa Haddad 'Capsule' collection, which marked its international launch at the Paris Fashion Week in October, is the debut collection of the talented designer. Inspired by Islamic architecture and Qatari culture, the elegant collection of five designs which come in different colours, are embellished with gold, pearls and gems. 

'Hissa Haddad' is the first Qatari women's shoe brand made by Italian manufacturers to Italian standards using high quality Italian materials which was a product of a fruitful collaboration with Italian Chamber in Qatar.  

Italian Ambassador to Qatar Pasquale Salzano said: "Italian SMEs are the backbone of our economy and in this particular moment while Qatar is focusing on SMEs our knowhow and the 'family run enterprise style' are elements that can create an ideal synergy for local companies seeking to initiate production.

Italians are flexible, able to work under pressure and have an innate passion for style and quality." The Italian envoy has expressed full support to Qatari entrepreneurs as Qatar drives towards self-sufficiency. "We are proud to share our expertise with young entrepreneurs. From fashion to jewellery to furniture, we can support fully the ideas of Qatari entrepreneurs allowing them to achieve their goals yet guaranteeing Italian quality and style. The free zone in Manateq and the Made in Qatar programme both represent exceptional opportunities to avail of. These plans will definitely encourage many successful Italian Qatari business ventures," he said.
It took more than a year to turn Hissa's project to reality through the support of Italian Chamber.
Palma Libotte Chairperson of the Italian Chamber, said: "I was delighted that a Qatari lady entrepreneur approached the Italian chamber for services. We at the Chamber supported her to find the best Italian companies of shoemakers through our vast network of contacts in Italy. We travelled to Italy with her to le Marche and had many meetings. We personally met all the suppliers. Italian companies are more responsive to governmental organizations like the Italian Chamber in Qatar, therefore we got great attention."

She added: "We would like to welcome all Qatari entrepreneurs that wish to launch their productions in Italy with private labelling from fashion, to jewellery to furniture and lots more. we are here to support them."
Hissa said many international buyers have expressed interest in the brand and that she had already finalised a new collection which she would unveil at the London Fashion Week next month.