It wasn’t that long ago, in 2018, that Saudi Arabia started letting women drive, and people still aren’t allowed to report on environmental issues and concerns from inside Saudi Arabia without fear of retribution; but Saudi Arabia is trying to bring its fossil fuel nation and Saudi Aramco to the 21st century. There is NEOM, a 15 minute city and mega grouping of resorts and destinations.
One other way to boost tourism and interest is fashion. And this month Saudi Arabia hosts its first Red Sea Fashion Week.
The Red Sea Fashion Week will celebrate both established and emerging talent. Alongside international brands, the spotlight will shine on 100 Saudi fashion labels.
The three-day event will include two runway shows and activations, featuring luxury fashion, jewelry, ready-to-wear, and resort wear collections from both Saudi and international designers.
Saudi fashion designer, Tima Abid will be opening the showcase. Established in 2003, Tima Abid’s haute couture collections are a celebration of her Saudi Arabian heritage.
Her creations are a fusion of contemporary design and cultural influences. Renowned for her exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, Tima has an illustrious roster of clients, including members of royalty and celebrated artists.
In 2020, she made her debut at Paris Haute Couture, displaying her quintessentially Arabian aesthetic onto a global sphere.
Now, the acclaimed fashion visionary is bringing her deep-rooted designs back to her home country, dazzling the sartorial set at Red Sea Fashion Week 2024.
Burak Cakmak, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fashion Commission, said: “With Red Sea Fashion Week, we set out to forge a distinctive and dynamic platform that not only highlights the vast creativity and skill within Saudi Arabia but also elevates our nation as a key player on the global fashion stage.
“This initiative is a vibrant testament to our dedication to cultivating local talent and integrating them into the international arena, resonating deeply with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enriching our cultural fabric and broadening our economic horizons.”
Launched in 2021, the Saudi 100 Brands program empowers Saudi designers to develop their fashion, luxury, and jewelry businesses, providing them with the best tools to grow their label in both local and international markets.
Through masterclasses, workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and professional development delivered by industry leaders and experts, Saudi 100 Brands is already producing fashion stars and enjoying success on the world stage with events taking place at New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks.
In its first year, the program delivered more than 5,000 hours of specialized mentoring. The program covers ten different categories: ready-to-wear, modest, concept, premium, demi-couture, bridal, handbags, jewelry, and from this year, fragrances, and footwear.
The designers are a diverse group – aged from 20 – 70, 85% female, some educated in top international design schools while others are self-trained.
Together with the Ministry of Culture, the commission is working to unlock a thriving cultural sector to preserve and elevate the traditions that make the Kingdom unique.
The history of Saudi Arabian fashion
Saudi Arabian fashion designers have carved a unique niche in the global fashion industry, blending traditional Islamic attire with contemporary designs to create stunning pieces that captivate audiences worldwide. You would imagine the results to be ultra-conservative to match the Islamic take on modesty – but it’s not always to case. While the fashion scene in Saudi Arabia has historically been more conservative due to cultural norms, there has been a significant shift in recent years with emerging designers pushing boundaries and gaining recognition internationally.
What we would like to see is a more sustainable approach to fashion like Stella McCartney in the UK. BUt the horse is before the cart. We are celebrating local Saudi talent and that’s a start.
One of the pioneers of Saudi Arabian fashion is Reem Al Kanhal. Known for her elegant and sophisticated designs, Al Kanhal has been instrumental in showcasing Saudi culture through her collections while incorporating modern elements. Her creations have graced runways across the globe, earning her a spot among the top Saudi designers of all time.
Arwa Al Banawi is another prominent figure in Saudi fashion. Her brand is celebrated for its fusion of traditional Saudi aesthetics with contemporary streetwear influences. Al Banawi’s bold designs and impeccable tailoring have garnered attention from fashion enthusiasts worldwide, cementing her status as one of the leading voices in Saudi fashion.
Razan Alazzouni has gained international acclaim for her intricately detailed designs that celebrate femininity and elegance. Her pieces often feature delicate embellishments and exquisite craftsmanship, reflecting her commitment to luxury and sophistication. Alazzouni’s creations have been worn by celebrities and royalty alike, solidifying her position as one of Saudi Arabia’s most influential designers.
Honayda Serafi is renowned for her avant-garde approach to fashion, pushing boundaries with her innovative designs and bold aesthetic. Serafi’s collections often challenge societal norms, embracing individuality and self-expression. Her fearless creativity has earned her a devoted following both in Saudi Arabia and beyond, making her one of the most dynamic figures in the country’s fashion scene.
Finally, Mashael Alrajhi has emerged as a trailblazer in Saudi Arabian fashion, known for her contemporary take on traditional attire. Alrajhi’s designs seamlessly blend heritage with modernity, offering a fresh perspective on Saudi fashion. Her innovative use of fabrics and attention to detail have earned her widespread acclaim, solidifying her status as one of the top Saudi designers of all time.
As part of the fashion week, Saudi Arabia hosted a poolside show featuring the work of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal whose one-piece suits in shades of red, beige and blue caught the attention of the world. Most models had exposed shoulders and some had their midriffs partially visible.
“It’s true that this country is very conservative but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world,” Qanzal said.
“When we came here, we understood that a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia is a historic moment, because it is the first time to have such event,” she said, adding it was “an honour” to be involved.
