The study investigates the impact of online technology on Qatari culture and the preservation of Qatari cultural identity in fashion. The literature review explores the perception of Qatari fashion culture, including an overview of its evolution, the role of fashion in the formation and expression of cultural identity, and the influence of media and digital technology on fashion. The study points to the Qatari and Islamic values epitomized by wearing an abaya for women, and thobe and qitra for men, and explores contemporary styles of these items as seen in a collection of images and videos posted by Qatari Instagram users. Users’ comments were then analysed to consider the response to the fashion choices depicted in the photographs. Interviews were carried out to broaden the perspective on how accurately and appropriately, in the nationals’ opinion, Qatari fashion culture was represented online. The findings suggest that fashion images posted on social media capture Qatari fashion culture in transition from traditional to modern values. This process is exemplified by design and colour modifications to the abaya and the use of a Western-style cap to replace the qitra. It can be concluded that online technology allows the status quo to be challenged, and in doing so pushes the boundaries of traditional Qatari fashion and how it is interpreted.
| Date of Award | 2020 |
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| Original language | American English |
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| Awarding Institution | - HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science
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THE SELF-REPRESENTATION OF QATARI NATIONALS ON INSTAGRAM
Al-Mohannadi, S. (Author). 2020
Student thesis: Master's Dissertation