PARIS, Dec 10, 2004/ FW/ --- From December 3rd to December 6th, several of France's leading fashion and haute couture houses went to the deserts of Qatar to stage a tremendous fashion show, which served to bridge cultural gaps between the two nations.

On board for the trip were couture houses Christian Lacroix, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Eymeric François and fashion houses Jean-Claude Jitrois, Nina Ricci and Azzaro.

The fashion show took place as part of a cultural, political and commercial exchange extravaganza organised at the joint initiative of Qatar's Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Qatar Tourism Authority and the Embassy of France in Doha.

The fashion show, appropriately titled "Expérience Elégance", was attended by local Qatari ministers; Alain Azouaou, Ambassador of France to Qatar; members of leading Qatari families and the members of the influential Qatari business establishment.

Alain Azouaou, Ambassador of France (center) and Qatar Minister of Economy (right)

With this glorious event, the Paris fashion establishment was not only able to share a part of France’s rich culture with the people of Qatar, but it also contributed to taking Qatari women to new places through French couture.

While planning this event, Spirit Communications, based in Lyon, France and its president, Philippe Maquin were careful to keep local, cultural and traditional differences in mind.

Two fashion shows had to be organised on separate nights because Qatari women in general are not allowed to be present at events attended by men. Much care was taken to assure that Qatar’s long traditions and cultural standards were observed.

With this in mind, the six fashion and couture houses made daring, yet wise selections to present during the fashion shows. Because Qatari women love rich, vivid colours and embroideries, these houses were able to please them with the sophistication of their collections.

Les Studios Parisiens, mobilized the energies of a Hollywood sized production in order to make the event a success.

L’Oréal was one of the top sponsors. Richard Soldé created the hair for each of the six fashion houses showing, while Jabe (for Les Studios Parisians) created makeup miracles. Metropolitan Models sent more than 40 of its most glamorous models to burn the runway up!

Fashion Windows was along to represent the American press. L’Officiel and Marie-Claire, two leading French magazines, represented traditional print press at the event. Fashion TV and Al Jazeera represented television media.

Julia & Collette Representing Jean Paul Gaultier

Jasmine (Nina Ricci), Philip (Spirit Communications) & Julien (Jitrois)

Ambassador Azouaou of France

Jitrois

Paris Delegation

Backstage

Fashion Show

Mrs. Alain Azouaou, wife of French Ambassador to Qatar

Additional Information:
www.lafranceexpose.com

Contacts:
Ambassade de France
Diplomatic Area
PO Box 2669
Doha, Qatar
Tel: + 974 48 32 283

Publicis.Graphis Doha
pgqatar@qatar.net.ga
Contact: Fadi Chalhoub

Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs
www.mofa.gov.qa

Les Studios Parisiens
Tel: (33) 1 58 60 01 24
lesstudiosparisiens
@yahoo.fr

Spirit Communications
104 Quai Clémenceau
69300 Caluire, France
Tel: (33) 4 37 40 31 31
Fax: (33) 4 78 08 01 43
www.spirit-communciation.com