Across Borders Exhibition at M7 Museum

Image Source: M7 Museum Website

Across Borders, a pop-up exhibition curated by Lauren Michelle Morell, revolves around re-creating traditional and environmentally friendly garments that Qatari Bedouins were known for. Heritage preservation, sustainability and diversity are three elements that Lauren is passionate about incorporating into her designs.

Across Borders Vision

The details of her work tell a story of craftsmanship, culture and heritage. She focuses on reusing and up-cycling to create her own textiles for generations to come. Her pieces also highlight the similarities between multiple native Latin American cultures and the Qatari culture, presenting garments with Sadu weaving as well as Latin American weaving patterns, perfectly achieving the ethos of the two cultures being in harmony with one another.

A vision to re-create traditional and environmentally friendly garments that Qatari Bedouins were notable for. They were highlighting the power of similarities between multiple native Latin American cultures and Qatari culture.

Native Latin American vs. Qatari Weaving

The classic Al-sadu weaving and native Latin American weaving patterns of details in exchange with both cultures will be up-cycled throughout all the 10 innovative garments.

Indigenous American Cultures and Qatari Culture

Lauren Michelle Morell said: “As a third-culture citizen, I am inherently influenced by U.S., Latin American and Qatari cultures. This exhibition combines various elements through 10 innovative statement garments made from natural sources and postconsumer waste and rooted in both Qatari and indigenous American cultures. It has been an honour having the support of individuals and organizations which promote heritage preservation and sustainable fashion – particularly from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar and M7."

About Lauren Michelle Morell

Lauren Michelle Morell is a contemporary Latin American fashion designer, who graduated from VCUQ. She established her fashion brand LorenaaMichelle in 2019. Her brand infuses Middle Eastern culture with a fashion-forward pop of urban Latin fusion. She was brought up all over the world, enriched by many cultures, thus, her artwork and designs have been inspired by her 'nomadic' upbringing.

The exhibition celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Qatar, and it is funded by a grant from the United States Department of State.

Source: Visit Qatar