Runway on the Rail last month was TheArsenale’s debut fashion show in Qatar attended by VIPs and associated with Westbrook Racing, a team founded by actor Will Smith, which competes in the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric raceboat series. This fashion collection is truly a multi-headed collaboration bonanza; Faith Active Collaboration Collection, was orchestrated by the motorsports design house that does much more than cars. TheArsenale came together not only with Westbrook Racing but also clothing brands Faith Connexion, Sidi (Italian racing boot maker) and TRZI.
Respect, creativity and warm urban style are the words that come to mind looking at the slick, minimalist collection billed as the inaugural Faith Active Collaboration Collection, so, we expect there’s more to come! The garments stand out from the swathes of brands creating modest women’s designs with a sporty edge since they incorporate motorsports racing details that glide over the body, and some bold colours: TheArsenale’s iconic acid green and a lipstick red. There’s a distinctly modern quality to this meeting of East and West. Quiet luxury is another label that feels relevant here.
Presented in Doha’s Design District, it brings together the elegance of french design, Faith Connexion is based in Paris after all, and Qatari quality purveyed by TRZI, founded by Amna Ahmed Al-Misned. This partnership introduces pieces inspired by traditional Abayas, Sheilas, scarves, and ponchos, honouring Middle Eastern tradition while offering new ways to dress.
Faith Active Collaboration Collection is Marcela Meignan Creative Director at TheArsenale’s first fashion collection, who was interviewed not long ago in Vogue Mexico and Latin America. Her collaboration with Maria Buccellati, at Faith Connexion and Amna Ahmed Al-Misned draws inspiration from the aesthetics and adrenaline of racing culture. Women coming together in spheres like racing that can feel male-dominated creates an important space for expression that is truly invaluable.
Endorsed too by Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, a family member of Qatar’s ruler and a politician in her own right, there’s more to this show than meets the eye, reminding us fashion has diplomatic value.
