Saudi Arabia dazzles with the fashion world’s best.
Riyadh Fashion Week marked a grand comeback from October 17 to 21, 2024, transforming the city into a festival of fashion! Organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission, this second edition brought an exciting blend of bold designs, cultural flair and an infusion of exciting trends!
With runway shows, exclusive presentations, and networking events, it was all about taking Saudi fashion to the next level.
“Riyadh Fashion Week stands as a landmark event in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic evolution. It serves as a premier stage for the exceptional talent and creativity of our designers, bridging local and international fashion communities. This event catalyses economic growth, fosters innovation, and celebrates our rich cultural heritage. By uniting industry professionals from around the world, Riyadh Fashion Week aims to inspire future generations and establish Saudi Arabia as a dynamic force in the global fashion landscape.”
— Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission
Although it’s still new on the global fashion scene, RFW buzzed with phenomenal brands showing off a mix of ready-to-wear, street fashion, couture, and bridal collections, all bringing out international and local Saudi Talents.
The fashion extravaganza featured dynamic designers over the span of a five-day event. We at KHAMSA, bring you some of our picks from the ultra-talented pool of designers!
١. Honayda
Starting with the Kingdom’s revered designer and one of the week’s headliners, Honayda Serafi is nothing short of a trailblazer in Saudi fashion. Known for being the first female designer to launch a Saudi ready-to-wear brand, She introduced her label, HONAYDA, to the global market in 2016, bringing a fresh perspective to luxury fashion. While being a fashion ninja, she is a mentor, educator, and advocate for women’s empowerment. True to her legacy of combining strength and style, HONAYDA’s show this season was titled “Divas in Harmony.” Featuring remarkable faces such as Egyptian actress Nelly Kareem, the collection was a blend of Saudi cultures with the influence of iconic female musicians from the Arab World, including Umm Kulthum and Fairuz.
٢. 1886
1886 is redefining Saudi fashion with a skilful blend of luxury and streetwear. Led by cofounders Fahad Al-Jomiah and Khalid Al-Jammaz, who started the brand as university roommates, 1886 stands out for its bold designs and unique storytelling. At the first edition, they unveiled a collection inspired by Saudi Arabia’s construction scene, bringing raw, industrial vibes to the runway. The 1886 collection this RFW impressed with its bold mix of urban streetwear and subtle Middle Eastern touches.
٣. Tima Abid
Fatima Althaqafi, the creative mind behind the Tima Abid brand, has carved a distinct space in the fashion world. Born in Jeddah as the only daughter among seven brothers, her determination to stand out fueled her journey. Blending her rich Arabian heritage with a modern twist, Fatima’s designs are all about empowering women through style. This year’s collection drew inspiration from her private garden, featuring a bold colour palette of black, white, and red. With strong lines and striking shapes, her pieces reflect a celebration of confident, powerful women, showcasing her relentless passion and hard work.
٤. Adnan Akbar
Adnan Akbar, often called the “Yves Saint Laurent of the Middle East,” is a celebrated fashion designer from Mecca! His passion for fashion began when he created dresses for his sister’s dolls, inspired by his mother’s couture collection. After becoming the designer for the Saudi Royal Family in 1989, he gained fame for blending traditional Middle Eastern styles with modern trends. His stunning runway shows are known for luxury and craftsmanship. Now, his children, Adwa and Abdullah, are continuing his legacy, with this year’s collection impressing everyone with elegant silhouettes and vibrant colours—perfect for the runway and red carpet!
٥. Dar AlHanouf
Alhanouf Mazen is the creative mind behind Dar Alhanouf, a well-known Saudi fashion brand that began in 2012. Famous for its luxurious couture designs, the brand blends modern elegance with cultural inspiration from the beautiful landscapes of Palm Springs and the Radwa mountains, while celebrating Saudi heritage. Alhanouf has showcased her collections at major events like Milan Fashion Week and Riyadh Fashion Week, earning accolades, including the title of best bridal brand for 2024. As the only Saudi fashion house partnered with Swarovski, her pieces feature materials like crepe chiffon and French lace.
This year, she wowed the runway with a stunning bridal collection with a unique selection of colours, cuts and embellishments. The collection stuns through its intricacy and silhouettes, making it a head-turner not just at weddings, but any event you walk into!
As the Riyadh Fashion Week 2024 concludes, Saudi Arabia yet again delivered a promise to make a mark in the world of fashion today, and for years to come.
