There aren’t many designers from our side of the world who get a full solo exhibition. But Mohamed Benchellal? He’s officially one of them. This month, the National Museum of Qatar is featuring BENCHELLAL | Monumental “Sculpting Past Tomorrow”—a celebration of his journey, his fearless style, and his drive to create on his own terms.
For Benchellal, Qatar holds a special place in his story. Back in 2021, the Moroccan couturier won the Fashion Trust Arabia evening wear prize, awarded by HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser. That moment was big, not just for him, but for the region, giving Middle Eastern fashion some serious global attention. Now, nearly three years later, he’s back in Qatar with his own exhibit at the National Museum in Doha. It’s a huge honor, and it says a lot about his impact as well as Qatar’s commitment to lifting up regional talent.
Born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents, Benchellal’s early exposure to textiles through his grandparents’ work ignited his passion for fashion. He pursued formal education at the Amsterdam Fashion Academy and launched his eponymous label in 2015. Known for bold, sculptural designs and always bring something unexpected to the table, Benchellal has earned several prestigious awards throughout his career. In addition to the Fashion Trust Arabia prize, he was also the recipient of the 2020 Vogue Fashion Prize, which provided a financial grant and placement on Net-a-Porter. His creations have also graced notable figures, including Sharon Stone, Billy Porter, and Iris Apfel, among others.
Qatar’s modern architecture, vast desert landscapes, and thriving art scene have fueled his creativity in a big way. During his residency at Liwan Design Studios and Labs, he designed pieces inspired by Qatar’s landscapes and monuments, which will be on display until Jan. 18, 2025.
This exhibition wouldn’t be possible without the support of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, who’s a major force behind Qatar’s arts and culture scene. She believed in Benchellal’s work and helped make this vision happen, showing the world just how much talent is coming out of the Middle East.
If you’re in Qatar, make sure to check out BENCHELLAL | Monumental “Sculpting Past Tomorrow” at the National Museum. It’s an incredible chance to see the couturier’s designs up close and witness the artistry behind each piece.
