With her work taking space on global runways, Tima Abid’s fashion language is a familiar call to the fashion-forward. Couture tailoring, bespoke craftsmanship, and from her latest runway, otherworldly sculptural forms, With her namesake label, the designer works on representing the woman and all her complexities through the folds of fabric.
For Tima herself, it’s a symbiotic relationship between her own identity and cultural upbringing, and that of the women she dresses. And it happens to be a collaborative contemporary portrait of the modern Saudi woman.
In a chat with Soigné, Tima Abid explains her process further, and speaks on how her heritage reflects in her clothes which in turn celebrate that very same upbringing.
You recently presented at London Fashion Week and have previously presented at Paris Fashion Week. How does it feel to represent Saudi couture on a global stage?
Representing my country on a global stage has always been a dream of mine, and I’m incredibly proud to have realised that dream alongside our incredible team.
The sense of pride is truly indescribable. I feel deeply honoured to have the opportunity to showcase our country’s heritage through couture and to share a part of Saudi Arabia with the world in such a meaningful way.
What usually sets the creative process in motion for you?
Honestly, I don’t think there’s one specific creative process behind my work. I think, as a designer, as a creative, or as an artist, you might relate to the feeling that inspiration is not always something you have complete control over.
You simply see the world differently, and I think that eventually becomes part of your nature as a designer. You observe things, you feel things, and you experience the world in your own way.
A lot of my inspiration comes from life experiences—different chapters of my life, certain interactions, memories, emotions, and moments that stay with me. Somehow, all of those things find their way into my work.
Your work is set to celebrate Saudi heritage. How do you translate cultural memory and places into your clothing, and why do you think it’s important to channel culture through clothes?
I think it’s so important to channel culture through clothing because clothes hold such a significant part of a country’s, and people’s ,identity.
They tell stories. They carry memories and traditions across generations, and those stories are ones that should always be told and never forgotten. In many ways, I believe clothing can hold history within it.
That’s why it’s so important to me, as a Saudi designer, to celebrate our heritage and to continually find new ways to translate it into the clothes I create. I want the pieces to carry something of where we come from, while still speaking to the world today.
You’ve been dubbed ‘The Coco Chanel of the Middle East’. Do you agree with that title or is Saudi fashion on a completely different scale compared to its European counterparts?
I don’t completely disagree with it. In fact, it’s something that genuinely puts a smile on my face.
Coco Chanel did something revolutionary for the French fashion scene and for French women. She opened doors for women through fashion and left such a significant mark on the industry. So, to feel that some people may look at Tima Abid in a similar light is something that makes me very happy and, honestly, very honoured.
At the same time, I do believe that every designer is incredibly unique. Every designer has their own language, their own perspective, and their own way of expressing themselves.
But I do believe that women designers, in particular, hold a great deal of power. And when you use that power to inspire, to create, and to pave the way for future generations, I think that’s ultimately what it’s all about.
What does Saudi National Day mean to you? How do you plan on celebrating?
This holiday means everything to me. Saudi is in my heart.
I grew up on this precious land, and there’s something so special about celebrating Saudi National Day. It’s a time that brings together so much pride, happiness, and gratitude.
For me, celebrating it with my family, with the people I love, and alongside Saudis everywhere is what makes it so meaningful. It’s a celebration of our home, our heritage, and everything that makes being Saudi so special.
And honestly, it just brings so much happiness to my heart.
