The latest fashion week to hit our social calendars, this season’s Riyadh Fashion Week will be the event’s most expansive show yet. With over 30 shows and presentations, not to mention international debuts from Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, there is a lot to relish. From bespoke couture creations to co-curations of Western and Arabian heritage, here are all the highlights from day 1.
Vivienne Westwood
Opening the third edition of Riyadh Fashion Week was British icon Vivienne Westwood. Set beneath palm fronds, the show married the house’s baroque tailoring and deconstructed corsetry with Saudi artisanship courtesy of Art of Heritage, a non-profit focused on preserving Saudi Arabian cultural heritage.
The runway unfolded as a dialogue between the two cultures. Couture gowns in regional embroidery were presented along with selected looks from the house’s SS26 collection as well as archival pieces. Juxtaposing the evening were suits in pinstripe and plaid, adding a playful element to the show. Witnessing the fused curation of British subversive tailoring and Saudi Arabia’s traditional craftsmanship, it was emblematic of the Kingdom’s ethos that aimed at global visibility by spotlighting local talent. Mirroring that concept was Lebanese-Australian model Jessica Kahawaty, closing the show in a voluminous lavender gown infused with gold threadwork
Adnan Akbar
Couture house Adnan Akbar continues to seamlessly blend cultural craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends. Showcasing their show at Bedrock, contemporary silhouettes were refined with detailed embellishments and motifs that represented the region’s heritage. In a rich palette of jewel tones, lines were blurred with delicate fabric and drapes contrasted by sharp tailoring. A standout piece that blurred masculine and feminine dress was a white gown with gold accents, a palm motif that began at the bodice and bloomed by the face, and faux swords emblematic of the traditional Najdi ardah.
Atelier Hekayat
Rooted in the art of storytelling, Atelier Hekayat presented a show full of theatrics, wit, and drama. Aptly titled ‘Me After The Drama’, we saw drama play out in exaggerated silhouettes, ruffles, stripes, graphic print, and ruffs from the time of Shakespeare. However, the key detail that tied the show together was the accessories and playful props. Bow ties, headpieces, crystal rimmed glasses, bedazzled ties and belts, dangling nail charms, and theatre binoculars added a playful whimsy while also showcasing Atelier Hekayat’s sartorial narrative.
Tima Abid
Fusing Saudi heritage with global craftsmanship, Tima Abid’s show was rooted in architectural form and sculptural pieces that neatly contrasted with the set of Bedrock. With a backdrop of natural earth, a palette of black, navy, crimson, and flesh coloured tones was set off on the runway. The was a contrast between push and pull, with fluid silk-satin gowns juxtaposed with floral appliqué body-fitted ones. Drapes, glimmer, and silhouette were also key themes explored, with pannier skirts, balloon-esque sleeves, and crystal embellishments.
