JEDDAH, 29 March 2005 — Women got a chance to mix modernity with tradition and apply their creative touches to everything from mobile phone accessories to wedding gowns at the Meeting of Female Innovations. The women’s activities section of the Society of Makkah for Development and Social Services created the groundbreaking exhibition, which took place in Duniaty Hall at the Westin Jeddah Saturday through Monday.
The opening ceremony was attended by Princess Johara bint Khaled Al-Saud who came on behalf of Princess Hissa Al-Sha’laan.
The event displayed women’s handicraft abilities. Some designed and made traditional dresses; others excelled in doing colored beadwork using crystals as Rana Dabbagh and her cousin did, presenting a collection titled Aquarius Entrepreneurs.
“We temporarily called our group Safeer,” said Nadra Sindi, who along with Hiba Sheikh sold their works at one of the booths where the items were sold. “We thought we’d distinguish our work with new styles and colors, so we mixed Swarovski pure colored crystals with gemstones and pearls imported from Beirut to come up with new, different pieces for home accessories.”
They sold mobile phone accessories, key chains, crystal rings and other accouterments. “This is just the beginning,” Sheikh said. “We’re looking forward to expanding our work in the future.”
One group of four young women from the Fine Arts Department at the College of Education had the artistic approach of painting fabrics and clothing. “My friends, Shatha Sharbatly, Wajd and Ruba Baaeshin, and I had been inspired by the colorful African styles,” said Dareen Alyawer. “We applied it to clothing and got a delightful result each time.”
The exhibit also featured the stand of the Rida Art Gallery, which offers courses in various arts, including photography, flower arrangement and graphic design. The stand displayed students’ photos of unique Jeddah cityscapes, especially Old Jeddah.
“It’s a wonderful experience,” said Amal Al-Shareef. “We really enjoy it every time we capture a photo.”
More than clicking a shutter, the women use a critical eye to find revealing images.
“I’ve been taking this course for a couple of weeks, and I’m amazed how people appreciate the views,” said Rana Gamlu.
Even food innovations were presented at stands selling traditional desserts with unique twists. Event sponsors taking an active role included Wonders of Gold, Always, Dar Al-Hikma College, King Abdul Aziz University, Super Star Hairdressing Salon, the Tower of Culture and Art, First Step Rehabilitation and the Kingdom’s first electronic magazine, Arabiyat.com among others.
Super Star Hairdressing Salon took part by preparing the models’ dresses and hairstyles for a fashion show that displayed the jewelry of Wonders of Gold. Another portion of the fashion show featured a traditional Saudi wedding as a backdrop to highlight wedding fashions including a sparkling traditional wedding gown.
Traditional values mixing with the latest trends and materials gave the participants a chance to show at least some glimpses of the road to the future. “It shows us how innovative we, as young women, can be,” said Gamlu.
