Qatar Reads is turning traditional storytelling into wearable art with a new exhibition inspired by Maqamat Al-Hariri.

Let’s be honest: most people aren’t heading to Place Vendôme expecting a literary moment. But between the cafés, luxury stores and endless air conditioning breaks, the mall is now also hosting a fashion exhibition inspired by one of the best-known works of classical Arabic literature.

Running until June 17 on the Canal floor at Gate 1, Fables in Fashion brings together eight Qatari designers reinterpreting Maqamat Al-Hariri through contemporary fashion pieces. The exhibition is part of Qatar Reads’ annual ‘One Book, One Doha’ campaign, which each year spotlights a major work of Arabic literature through community events and creative projects.

This year’s focus is Maqamat Al-Hariri, a collection famous for its storytelling, sharp humour and larger-than-life characters. Instead of presenting the text in a traditional way, the exhibition translates themes from the book into fabrics, silhouettes and visual design. Think less museum display case and more conceptual fashion installation, inside one of Doha’s busiest public spaces.

The project was created in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and M7, with the idea of making classical Arabic literature feel more accessible to audiences who may not normally engage with it through books alone. And fashion probably makes sense as a way in. Even if you’ve never read Maqamat Al-Hariri, you can still connect with the craftsmanship, references and storytelling behind the designs themselves. The exhibition is free to visit and runs daily at Place Vendôme, making it an easy cultural stop if you’re already planning a mall afternoon anyway. ✤

GO: VISIT QATARREADS.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.