The fashion community has paid tribute to the son of the Ruler of Sharjah after the announcement of his death on Tuesday.
Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi died on Monday in London, aged 39, sparking a flood of Instagram and Twitter posts honouring the fashion designer.
Sheikh Khalid, son of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad A Qasimi, was the creative director and co-owner of a British fashion label, Qasimi, the debut collection of which premiered in 2008.
A statement from the design company desribed Sheikh Khalid as "a great philosopher and artist."
It said "his goal was to create 'a world of beautifully crafted products infused with cultural, social and political undertones to inform and inspire'" and asked for the privacy of the family, team and brand to be respected at this time.
Fashion photographer Mariano Vivanco shared a black and white photograph of Sheikh Khalid on Instagram, alongside the caption “will always be my angel”.
Our deepest condolences to His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and his family on the tragic news of the passing of their son Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. pic.twitter.com/2TKPY6xq0I
— Patrick Moody (@PMoodyFCDO) July 2, 2019
Street style photographer Andrew Barber said he had been preparing to shoot Qasimi’s latest show.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of another talented designer,” Barber wrote on Instagram.
Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, told the fashion website WWD: “Khalid Qasimi was a talented young designer whose collections were modern, elegant and forward thinking. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
The features director of Vogue Arabia, Caterina Minthe, shared a heartwarming story of Sheikh Khalid's humble side. Posted alongside an image of the royal, she wrote:
““Can you drop the Sheikh?” “Yes, Sheikh, I can,” I answered. You laughed. You thanked me. I thanked you. As perfect an ending to any conversation. But never, ever could I have imagined in my worst nightmares that it would be our last.
“Today, a nation lowers its flag to half mast to mourn the young man — architect and designer — we lost, His Highness Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi. My deepest condolences to your family.”
Saudi Arabia’s Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, influential fashion buyer and owner of boutique D’NA, also shared her sorrow at Sheikh Khalid’s passing.
“You always brought joy to everyone around you and you will be missed,” Princess Deena wrote on Instagram.
