Riyadh Fashion Week 2024 made a stunning return, opening with an exclusive, invite-only gala dinner on October 17 that set the tone for a week of high style and glamour. The elegant soirée gathered Saudi Arabia’s fashion elite and global style icons under the open sky, with candlelit walkways and luxe tables creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Beyond fashion, culture and creativity, this edition feels more of a statement.
If last year’s debut was a gentle whisper, this edition is loud and proud, declaring Saudi Arabia’s place on the global fashion map. Hosted by the Saudi Fashion Commission—it’s the event everyone’s talking about.
With iconic venues like Tuwaiq Palace, Digital City, and Jax District transformed into jaw-dropping runways, Riyadh has become the Kingdom’s fashion hub where trendsetters are all coming together to set the tone for the future of Saudi fashion scene. Here are all the exciting highlights from Day 1:
Adnan Akbar
Adnan Akbar is celebrated as one of the Kingdom’s first couture designers. His fashion house, established in the 1970s, has played an undeniable role in shaping the Saudi couture scene. Known for his ability to merge Saudi heritage with contemporary designs, Akbar has crafted iconic pieces that have captivated both local and international audiences. The presentation echoed the essence of a brand that has evolved alongside Saudi Arabia’s fashion landscape–think sleek, sharp shoulders paired with dreamy bridal gowns. Pearls, beadwork, crystals, and sequins adorned structured silhouettes, all brought to life in a vibrant, captivating color palette.
Dar Alhanouf
Dar Alhanouf, founded by Al-Hanouf Mazen Al-Qabasani in 2012, has become a standout in Saudi Arabia’s bridal couture scene. As a part of the Saudi 100 Brands initiative, it showcased on global stages like New York. At Riyadh Fashion Week, Al-Hanouf reimagined the runway with 3D florals that seemed to bloom with every step, cascading over airy gowns in a stunning visual display. Richly beaded details caught the light, while sheer, ethereal layers hinted at mystery. High-necked gowns, intricately embroidered, exuded refinement, while dramatic capes in burnt orange flowed with each movement. Inspired by desert hues, the palette shifted from sunlit terracottas to deep, earthy tones, grounding the collection in a sense of place.
Tima Abid
When Tima Abid says she wants women to feel powerful in her creations, she means it. Her RFW runway was a celebration of strength and style, where statement-making edge met the art of couture in a head-turning display. From structured, cape-like gowns that flowed with regal energy to intricate beadwork that shimmered under the lights, each piece was designed to command attention. The collection featured exaggerated silhouettes, marrying structure with fluidity. Jet-black gowns stood out with bold necklines and sharply tailored shoulders, dripping with intricate beading that caught every glimmer of the runway lights. One standout look saw a model cloaked in a voluminous black ensemble, adorned with gold and silver accents that formed a radiant, almost celestial, halo-like effect around her. Rich, deep reds contrasted against these darker tones, with sumptuous velvets adding a luxurious warmth to the collection. The designer’s use of textures, combining lace, tulle, and satin, gave her designs depth and dimension. It was a collection that spoke of power, luxury, and a fierce reimagining of traditional couture.
