Riyadh Fashion Week made a remarkable debut, shining the spotlight on local hero couturier Mohammed Ashi in a dazzling show set against the backdrop of the King Fahad Library.
This inaugural event marks the beginning of a four-day season, driven by a vision to establish a robust and sustainable Saudi fashion industry.
The collection showcased the quintessential Ashi Studio style – embracing fantasy volumes, voluptuous shapes, technical intricacy, and a hint of romance. What truly distinguished this collection was how it paid homage to the natural allure and landscapes of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with textiles and embroidery echoing its raw beauty.
In a 20-piece collection predominantly in white and ecru, Ashi’s artistry was evident as he added delicate cotton clouds to ecru silk columns, adorned cocktails with trains and white fabric posies, and wrapped a pristine white dress with a shawl that evoked the essence of a winter thobe.
Titled ‘8pm: An Evening in Riyadh,’ this collection was a sentimental expression of Ashi’s love for his culture and country. Ashi’s global recognition was sealed when he became the first Saudi designer to feature on the official calendar of Paris Couture Week in July. His return to Riyadh was a historic moment celebrated by fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
After the show, guests convened for an extravagant dinner at Building 207, located within the impressive King Abdullah Financial Center (KAFD), a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious development plans.
KAFD, overseen by the Public Investment Fund, is a €7 billion project spanning 17 million square feet, boasting futuristic towers, solar-powered sky bridges, and a state-of-the-art monorail system. Designed to accommodate 50,000 residents, it even features the final creation of the legendary architect Zaha Hadid – a magnificently undulating station for the capital’s new metro.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, emphasized the role of Riyadh Fashion Week as a platform nurturing the burgeoning fashion ecosystem. It’s a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey.
The following day, a group of Saudi couturiers graced the open-air stage at KAFD’s Financial Plaza. Despite August’s scorching temperatures, the elevated location ensured a more comfortable mid-20s climate.
Tima Abid, often compared to the Diane von Furstenberg of the Gulf, was a standout. Her latest collection featured remarkable pieces, including a gold-embroidered gown with a mesh niqab, once worn by Princess Hassa during her nuptials. Tima’s work radiates timeless elegance and sophistication.
While her collection featured gauzy wings, silver pendulums, and metallic roses, reminiscent of Dolce & Gabbana’s style, it embodied grand couture, showcasing her bold approach to fashion.
Yousef Akbar, known for his high-gloss chic and vibrant primary colors, offered a streamlined take on Kingdom couture. His expert draping and cool color palettes made his collection appealing to a global audience, establishing him as a name to watch.
Adnan Akbar delivered couture with a capital «C,» featuring finely draped bouffant gowns in imperial Roman purple, historically sourced from Essaouira, Morocco. The collection, while a testament to craftsmanship, could benefit from some refinements to enhance its appeal.
