RIYADH (The Thursday Times) — Riyadh Fashion Week 2024 is set to captivate the fashion world with a five-day extravaganza running from 17 to 21 October. Organised by the Saudi Fashion Commission, the event is becoming a crucial date on the global fashion calendar, blending traditional Saudi culture with cutting-edge design innovation. The event not only elevates the regional fashion industry but also draws international attention with its rich array of designers and industry experts.
A celebration of Saudi fashion heritage
This year, Riyadh Fashion Week shines a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s evolving fashion landscape. Designers such as Tima Abid, Yahya AlBishari, and Nour AlDhahri will showcase haute couture collections that reflect the Kingdom’s rich history. These collections are expected to blend modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship, celebrating both modestwear and more avant-garde styles. This commitment to heritage also extends to ready-to-wear collections by emerging designers like Waad AlOqaili and Eman Joharhy, presenting a future-forward vision of Saudi fashion.
The fusion of modestwear and streetwear
One of the most striking elements of Riyadh Fashion Week 2024 is the increasing prominence of streetwear brands that are pushing the boundaries of modest fashion. Collections from local labels like 1886 and House of Cenmar are expected to redefine modestwear, merging urban influences with cultural traditions. These collections represent a cultural fusion that’s unique to the region, reflecting both the modernisation of Saudi society and its enduring respect for tradition.
Global impact and star-studded line-up
Riyadh Fashion Week is rapidly gaining global significance, with A-list attendees and international fashion icons taking centre stage. While the full guest list is yet to be revealed, last year’s event drew celebrities like Naomi Campbell and Zendaya, and this year is expected to be no different. The event’s international appeal is not only bolstered by its guest list but also by the growing recognition of Saudi designers on the world stage. Brands such as ASHI Studio and Arwa Albanawi have already graced global runways, showcasing the increasing influence of Saudi fashion on a global scale.
Fashion Futures X Hia Hub: Exploring the future of fashion
Running alongside the main event is Fashion Futures X Hia Hub, a complementary conference that offers panel discussions and workshops exploring the future of the fashion industry. Topics such as sustainability, technological innovation, and the evolving role of modest fashion in the global market will be addressed. This initiative helps Riyadh Fashion Week cement its position not just as a showcase of creative talent but also as a hub for meaningful dialogue about the future of fashion.
Riyadh: A growing fashion capital
Riyadh Fashion Week is part of a broader movement to position Saudi Arabia as a global fashion hub. The Kingdom’s investment in local designers, alongside efforts to integrate cultural heritage into modern design, demonstrates its commitment to fostering an indigenous fashion industry that resonates globally. As more designers gain international recognition, Riyadh is fast becoming a city to watch in the world of fashion.
Accessibility and digital engagement
Although attendance at Riyadh Fashion Week is invite-only, the event will be accessible to a global audience through live streaming. Last year’s live stream garnered significant attention from fashion enthusiasts worldwide, and the 2024 edition is expected to attract even more viewers. This accessibility reflects the Saudi Fashion Commission’s commitment to promoting Saudi fashion on a global scale, offering a window into the unique fusion of tradition and modernity that defines the country’s fashion scene.
