Oct
Press
Ready-To-Wear And Streetwear Draw Crowds During Riyadh Fashion Week – Forbes Middle East
Skilled in menswear and being the first woman menswear designer in the kingdom, Noura Sulaiman combined men’s and women’s looks in her show. Photo provided by the Saudi Fashion Commission for Riyadh Fashion Week
The second edition of Riyadh Fashion Week has been buzzing over the last few days, with media, buyers, designers, sponsors, and consumers gathering to see what Saudi’s fashion ecosystem is producing.
The first two days began with couture designers showcasing their new collections, while the latter half of the fashion week was dedicated to ready-to-wear and streetwear. Sitting in the front row were Argentine-Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, Swedish supermodel Elsa Hosk, Lebanese fashion influencer and eyewear designer Karen Wazen, and Egyptian actor Ahmed Malek.
Photo provided by the Saudi Fashion Commission for Riyadh Fashion Week
On Saturday evening in Digital City, designer Mona Alshebil presented her new collection of modern ready-to-wear looks. “This collection is really close to my heart because it started with remembering my grandmother and her love for henna,” says Alshebil. “I wanted to interpret it in a modern way so I made accessories with belts, scarves, and necklaces that represent henna, which is known for celebration and happiness. I also wanted to focus on our DNA, our identity with minimalist pieces that flow well from day to night, and also in this season we cared about sustainability by using eco-friendly fabrics, upcycling, and pieces that are comfortable to wear yet look elegant.”
Kaf by Kaf Robot Sara. Photo provided by the Saudi Fashion Commission for Riyadh Fashion Week
Also presenting on Saturday were Abadia, Razan Alazzouni, Aram, and Kaf By Kaf. The latter presented a robot named Sarah on the runway, a first-ever for RFW. Aram was founded by Arwa Alammari who is also a fashion consultant in addition to being a designer. Her collection of animal prints stunned onlookers with leopard-printed pantsuits, zebra-inspired blazers, and highlighter yellow ensembles.
RBA show. Photo provided by the Saudi Fashion Commission for Riyadh Fashion Week
Sunday saw the start of streetwear influences, with more menswear looks being shown. MD29 opened the show with deconstructed silhouettes and heavy use of denim. RBA’s Dunne-esque-looking pieces are desert-perfect, with light fabrics and a comfortable feel. The designer paired many of the pieces with Saudi shergi sandals. Hajruss, Mazrood, and KML also presented their collections, the latter of men’s deconstructed kimono-inspired jackets tailored to the male form was most unique.
But it was Noura Sulaiman who welcomed a standing ovation. Skilled in menswear and being the first woman menswear designer in the kingdom, Sulaiman combined men’s and women’s looks in her show. Double-breasted jacket blazers, tailored pants suits, sparkling bomber jackets, leather jackets, and tracksuits for men were all made with careful precision. For women, Sulaiman created full sequined skirts, sheer blouses, double-breasted long coats, shiny evening dresses, and sharply shaped tops.
Closing out RFW were six streetwear designers showing their collections: Hindamme, House of Cenmar, Awaken, Jubb, Noble & Fresh, and 1886. Following the shows was a closing party for industry insiders.