Three Saudi labels recently took over the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai to celebrate the Saudi fashion scene. The “From Saudi To The World” event saw Tima Abid, Abadia and ArAm showcase 10 pieces each from their recent collections. The fashion show, organised in partnership with the country's Fashion Commission, held the select audience captive and underlined why the homegrown labels are making waves.
The show kicked off with ArAm, a ready-to-wear brand helmed by Riyadh-based fashion designer and consultant Arwa AlAmmari. The creative, who has held several shows in Dubai, presented traditional patterns, which have become a bit of a brand signature. For example, some of AlAmmari’s pieces included patterns of sadu weaving. And in addition to having a modest twist, the collection by the designer, who is also an artist and sculptor, showcased her love for prints, as seen on beautiful abayas. AlAmmari, the first winner of the Arab version of American reality TV show “Fashion Star” and Saudi Cult National Award winner, also offered some gorgeous vibrantly coloured flowy skirts.
Next, the audience were treated to a collection by edgy and luxury ready-to-wear label Abadia. The family-owned brand, Co-Founded by Shahd Al-Shehail and her aunt Naeema Al-Shehail, presented clean-cut and contemporary clothing that looked swish yet comfortable. The fashion house that’s known for mixing masculine forms in its designs and its enthusiasm for ethically-sourced raw materials showcased pieces with earthy tones, harness belts and multi-layered extra large coats. Dubai-based Abadia also made sure to keep empowering and supporting female Saudi artisans by incorporating traditional crafts like sadu (weaving) and naqda (drawing thin metallic threads through cloth) into their creations.
The “ethical luxury” label recently made headlines when Alicia Keys donned two of their designs while performing during her first concert in the Kingdom, which took place in AlUla.
As expected, Tima Abid’s collection featured glamorous couture wear. While closing the show, the designer behind her 18-year-old eponymous label that creates haute couture, bridal and demi couture looks favoured black. However, there definitely were other hues in the mix. The jaw-dropping evening gowns, many featuring light and sheer fabrics, ranged from form-fitting to structured and puffy. The Jeddah-born couturiere, who has dressed some of the region’s biggest stars like Assala Nasri and Balqees Fathi, included standout details like bows, feathers and crystals to amp up the glam factor. During her presentation, Abid, who held her first couture show during Paris Haute Couture Week in 2020, revealed a particularly show-stopping dress. The black velevet gown inspired by the Kingdom’s landscape featured an embroidered golden palm tree and was embellished with Swarovski crystals.
