Riyadh Fashion Week, a newly launched event in Saudi Arabia, made a splash with its first season. The inaugural fashion extravaganza aimed to establish a strong and sustainable fashion industry in the country by showcasing the talents and creativity of local designers. One of the highlights of the four-day event was a stunning showcase by Mohammed Ashi, a renowned local couturier. Ashi’s collection, titled “8pm: An Evening in Riyadh,” celebrated the rich nature and terrain of Saudi Arabia with its predominantly white and ecru designs. The collection featured ethereal silk columns, cocktail dresses with trains and fabric posies, and a beautifully cut white dress wrapped in a raw shawl.
For Mohammed Ashi, this show was a particularly important milestone as it marked his return to Riyadh after 18 years. Ashi, known for his exceptional design skills and unique sense of glamour, has a deep connection to his culture and homeland. In fact, he made history in July as the first Saudi designer to showcase his work at Paris Couture Week. With his talent and background, Ashi was the perfect choice to kick-start Riyadh Fashion Week.
The event also featured other notable Saudi designers, each bringing their own style and vision to the runway. Tima Abid, often referred to as the Diane von Furstenberg of the Gulf, showcased a collection that incorporated gauzy wings, metallic roses, and black lace merry widows. While some may argue that an edit would have been beneficial, Abid’s willingness to take risks and create grand couture pieces was evident.
Yousef Akbar, another rising star in the Saudi fashion scene, presented a more streamlined vision of Kingdom couture. Inspired by his scholarship in logistics and supply chains in Australia, Akbar’s collection featured chic primary color satin, embellished gowns, and elegantly tailored coat dresses. His designs have already garnered attention from celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Sharon Stone, and Chrissy Teigen.
Adnan Akbar showcased a collection perfect for grand GCC soirees, focusing on intricate embellishments and embroidery. The imperial Roman purple sourced historically from Essaouira in Morocco added an air of elegance and sophistication to the exquisite gowns. While some may argue that the collection would benefit from self-editing to streamline the beading and folds, Adnan Akbar’s impeccable craftsmanship was evident.
Overall, Riyadh Fashion Week’s debut season successfully showcased the unique style and creativity of Saudi designers. With the support of the Saudi Fashion Commission and initiatives like KAFD, the future looks promising for the growth of the fashion industry in the Kingdom. This event has set the stage for Saudi Arabia to establish itself as a hub for fashion and design in the region.
Useful Links:
– Saudi Trends – Riyadh Fashion Week Debuts with Stunning Showcase by Mohammed Ashi
– Saudi Gazette – Riyadh Fashion Week Debuts with Showcase by Mohammed Ashi
