Homegrown talent shines at Riyadh Fashion Week

Homegrown talent shines at Riyadh Fashion Week
Abadia presented a collection that explored soft volume and refined layering. (Instagram)
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Updated 19 October 2025
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Homegrown talent shines at Riyadh Fashion Week

Homegrown talent shines at Riyadh Fashion Week

DUBAI: Riyadh Fashion Week continued with a full schedule of runway shows wowing audiences across the city.

The second day highlighted presentations by Saudi brands Leem, Rebirth, Amen, Waad Aloqaili, Ashwaq Al-Mashrhad and Abadia, each bringing distinct interpretations of contemporary design rooted in craftsmanship and cultural identity.

 

 

Leem opened the day with a collection centered on fluid, modest silhouettes in a palette of deep tones such as burgundy, brown and black. The looks featured long dresses, skirts, jackets, tailored pants and blazers. A few dark gradient pieces added depth, while ivory ensembles offered contrast.

Rebirth followed with a bohemian-inspired collection showcasing dresses, skirts, tailored trousers and draped gowns. Fringe detailing appeared throughout, adding texture and motion to the clean silhouettes. Asymmetrical cuts and layered elements introduced variation, while the color scheme drew from soft, earthy hues — sand, taupe, olive and rust — complemented by ivory and chocolate tones.

Meanwhile, Amen unveiled a lineup that featured draped gowns, asymmetric dresses and flowing blouses that were crafted from silk and chiffon, while the brand’s signature crescent motif — derived from its logo — appeared as embroidery or beadwork across several designs. The palette shifted between jewel and pastel tones, including violet, royal blue, mint, ivory and blush.

 

 

Waad Aloqaili presented a couture collection defined by sculpted gowns and flowing capes adorned with layered beadwork and embroidery in shades of lilac, ivory and champagne. Sequins and crystals were arranged in shell-like patterns, highlighting symmetry and texture across the pieces.

 

 

Ashwaq Al-Mashrhad showcased designs emphasizing volume and contrast, featuring floor-length gowns, capes and tailored separates in soft neutrals, pastels and darker hues. Fabrics such as velvet, satin and embellished tulle appeared throughout, with floral detailing and layered structures contributing to the collection’s visual depth.

 

 

Closing the day, Abadia presented a collection that explored soft volume and refined layering. Wide trousers were paired with long coats, tunics and draped blouses in tones of brown, cream and gold, balanced by muted pastels and deep burgundy shades. Silk, velvet and wool were shaped into relaxed silhouettes that merged traditional influences with modern tailoring.

This year’s event also features two global fashion houses. Vivienne Westwood opened the event with a debut show in Saudi Arabia, while Stella McCartney is set to close the week with her first presentation in the Kingdom.


Moscow to Riyadh: Design exhibition to launch in the Kingdom

Moscow to Riyadh: Design exhibition to launch in the Kingdom
Updated 09 November 2025
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Moscow to Riyadh: Design exhibition to launch in the Kingdom

Moscow to Riyadh: Design exhibition to launch in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Moscow-founded design exhibition ARTDOM is making its way to Riyadh from Nov. 11-12.

The exhibition of collectible furniture, interior design, and contemporary art will feature more than 200 brands and manufacturers from around the world at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Center in the capital.

ARTDOM founder Daria Zolotova told Arab News the reason for picking Riyadh for its first large-scale foray into the Middle East is due to the “big boom in construction and culture” in the region.

ARTDOM founder Daria Zolotova. (Supplied)

“And I really consider the GCC market right now — it’s in a good position for developing design,” she said.

The goal of the event is to foster exchange between brands, designers, manufacturers, and buyers, with a number of the brands taking part having never shown in the Middle East before.

Design firms from the global market are expected to participate, including Moscow, Italy, and France, as well as designers from the region.

Industry icons will also participate in a series of workshops and talks at the event, including Carlo Colombo, architect and designer, co-owner of Studio A++; Giulio Cappellini, founder and art director of Cappellini; Rossana Orlandi, international gallerist and design curator; and Marzia and Leonardo Dainelli, founders of Dainelli Studio, among others.

ARTDOM hopes to also support and uplift local designers partly through competitions, including the “ARTDOM Talents: Furniture and Objects Design Competition,” which features subsections dedicated to lighting, decor and furniture.

“It is important for us to matchmake between international brands and local players,” Zolotova said.

After the Riyadh edition, ARTDOM plans to launch projects in the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.

“It is important for us to convey this region in general and create the platform for the best business opportunities for matchmaking,” Zolotova said.