In April of this year, Saudi Arabia stunned the world by hosting its very first Fashion Week in its capital Riyadh. From Lebanon to Egypt to even Kazakhstan, designers from across the region and beyond showcased their work, and the event also saw some of the Kingdom’s finest pieces from local designers such as Arwa Al Banawi and Reem Al Khanal. Since then, more names from the Saudi fashion scene have come to light such as Noora Al Harthi, a designer based in Jeddah and who studied fashion in the United Kingdom. Her latest line, RE:UNITE, has been making headlines this month across the country.
According to the brand website, RE:UNITE is “a modern fashion brand that creates stylish contemporary women’s wear with an emphasis on formal wear.” Founded in 2017, in Jeddah, RE:UNITE is Al Harthi’s attempt at reinventing formal wear for women, making it more contemporary, comfortable, and timeless. The brand is all about high-quality material, details, and tailoring, from jackets and coats, to trousers and dresses. RE:UNITE includes well-curated lines such as “The Uniform of Femininity” and “Roots,” which is heavily inspired by the designer’s Saudi Arabian roots.
As a young child, Al Harthi became interested in fashion because of her father. Inspired by his style during the 80s, particularly the sharp suits of that decade, she decided to pursue her interest and turn it into a career. Her father was her biggest supporter, his encouragement being the ultimate push she needed to pursue her journey towards becoming a designer. Al Harthi studied fashion in the UK and it was there she became even more infatuated with the idea of elegant formal wear for women.
Speaking to Arab News recently, Al Harthi explained, “The idea behind my designs is to redesign men’s clothing and make them wearable for women. I give them a feminine touch […] I want women to feel confident and serious: When you put on a suit, you feel powerful.”
Her “Roots” line in particular has been meticulously conceptualized and designed to bring Western and Saudi Arabian elements together in contemporary and minimalist pieces that are powerful yet feminine all at once.
“What makes a suit strong is its accessories — I created custom-made buttons because I wanted them to look a little more Arabian to reflect the culture and heritage. I get inspired by Saudi Arabian-themed surroundings such as camels and tents,” she said.
