Doha Design District (DDD), partnered with VCUarts Qatar to spotlight emerging design talent through a unique collaboration that bridges education, design, and international brand engagement.
20 November, Doha, Qatar: Doha Design District and VCUarts Qatar worked together to conceptualize a creative window display designs inspired by Liberty London’s iconic aesthetic. The winning concept, selected by Liberty’s team, was brought to life and featured at the brand’s recently opened store in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Developed as part of a retail design course at VCUarts Qatar, the project challenged students to reinterpret Liberty London’s distinctive brand identity within the architectural and cultural context of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The winning concept, created by Moza Al Marri, Ayat Al Hayki, Reema Al-Mohannadi, and Fatima Al-Haddad, blended Liberty’s heritage with Msheireb’s modern design ethos, reflecting creativity, sustainability, and cultural harmony.
Dana Kazic, Director of Doha Design District said: “At Doha Design District, we’re passionate about creating opportunities that connect emerging local talent with global design leaders. This initiative embodies the spirit of Qatar National Vision 2030, where creativity, education, and innovation come together to empower our community. We look forward to building on this collaboration and continuing to create opportunities that celebrate local talent and strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional hub for design and creativity.”
Dean Amir Berbić, Dean of VCUarts Qatar, said: “This collaboration is a powerful example of how education and the design industry can come together to create meaningful student learning experiences. Our students had the coveted opportunity to work with a world-renowned brand, one of our most valued partners, Liberty London. They translated their ideas into a professional context that celebrates design heritage and cultural identity. I’m incredibly proud of their achievement and deeply grateful to our dedicated VCUarts Qatar faculty for guiding and inspiring them every step of the way.”
The winning design draws on a poetic connection between Liberty’s historic London flagship – an architectural icon crafted from the timber of two Royal Navy vessels – and the traditional Dhow boats of Doha. The Liberty store was built to resemble a ship that had journeyed across the world, collecting beautiful objects, art and textiles before anchoring in the heart of London. Embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery, the students cleverly reimagined this concept through a Qatari lens of exploration and exchange, echoing the enduring legacy of the Dhow boat, an icon of Qatar’s rich history of pearl trading and global connection.
Renowned set designer Miranda Sinclair brought the students’ concept to life, translating their vision into a fully realised spatial installation. Drawing inspiration from the original narrative, Sinclair reinterpreted the story with theatrical flair, featuring ships draped in Liberty fabrics and cargo boxes overflowing with wares. Her design captures both the emotional depth and visual dynamism of the concept.
The final installation stands as a creative fusion of tradition and modernity, celebrating Liberty’s design heritage while embracing Qatar’s architectural identity and commitment to cultural authenticity.
This collaboration emphasises DDD’s ongoing commitment to supporting local creative talent and encouraging collaborations that contribute to Qatar’s growing design ecosystem. By connecting students with leading international brands, DDD continues to create meaningful opportunities that align with the Qatar National Vision 2030, promoting human and social development through creativity, education, and innovation.
