Abu Dhabi fashionista Searina Abdel Kader is realising a vision to bring the best of the city’s designers, artisans and entertainment innovators together for an innovative pop-up shopping event.
“I wanted to focus on what is not being done in Abu Dhabi,” she says. “A lot of exhibitions that you see are purely targeting women and fashion. I’m allowing men to participate, who have never had a platform before. I want people, when they come to The Station, to feel that they are in a new, different kind of space.’”
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Read more: Meet some of the vendors that will be at The Station
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Visitors to Al Maryah Island’s waterfront promenade can browse the collections from local jewellery, perfume and accessory designers, as well as fashion labels including FMM by Fatma Al Mulla, known for combining art and fashion, and Kandor T, a unisex label mixing influences from the traditional and modern kandura.
“A lot of organisers look at these events commercially but I am very selective in which vendors I’ve invited to attend,” says Kader, who will be showcasing her own brand, Searina. “I have new vendors who are launching for the first time, so it’s not just about bringing in big names but supporting new ones, too.”
Shoppers will also be able to pause for a bite to eat from gourmet food trucks or a treatment from a beauty station. A pop-up art exhibition will turn the spotlight on local artists.
Live entertainment will take place at the weekends, with performers, actors, comedians and singers. Emirati DJ Azza Al Mughairi will broadcast her show #KeepitrealAzza live on the online Indie music station, White Cube Radio, while talks and workshops will be held during the week.
The event, which starts on Wednesday, March 2, runs until March 19. It will be open from 4pm to 10pm from Saturday through Wednesday and from 4pm until midnight on Thursday and Friday.
artslife@thenational.ae
