The second Riyadh Fashion Week kicks off, showcasing Saudi talent and cultural expression through fashion, with a focus on women’s empowerment

Riyadh Fashion Week returned with a vibrant display of creativity and cultural expression, commencing its second edition on Thursday night. Running until October 21, the event highlighted the talents of four distinguished Saudi designers: Adnan Akbar, Dar Al-Hanouf, Tima Abid, and Honayda, each presenting unique collections that reflected the rich tapestry of Saudi culture and contemporary fashion trends.

Among the standout presentations was Tima Abid’s collection, inspired by her personal garden. Featuring a striking palette of black, white, and red, her designs captured the essence of her surroundings. “These pieces today were inspired by the Tima Garden,” Abid shared. “People might think it’s a poor garden, lacking in colour, but I see it as very rich because of the care and attention I give it.”

Abid’s designs are marked by strong lines and bold shapes, which mirror her admiration for confident women. She explained her approach to incorporating floral elements into her work: “I entered the world of flowers very shyly because it’s not my usual design aesthetic. I love strong designs and wanted to create something that suits my vision while paying homage to nature.” With an eye towards the future, she hinted at the possibility of introducing green grass into her garden next year, which could serve as new inspiration for her future collections.

Another highlight of the evening was Honayda’s show, which focused on empowering women while intertwining elements of Saudi culture with the influence of iconic female musicians from the Arab world. Titled “Divas in Harmony,” this collection paid tribute to legendary singers such as Umm Kulthum and Fairuz, showcasing how music and fashion can create a powerful narrative.

“I wanted to empower women through fashion by shedding light on the divas of music,” Honayda explained. Her collection beautifully encapsulates the burgeoning Saudi music scene, reflecting the renaissance occurring in the Kingdom. “With all the up-and-coming Saudi singers, it just makes my heart happy. We’re doing what we should do, and I’m thrilled with the success of this fashion show.”

The designs presented by Honayda blend traditional and contemporary styles, making a bold statement about the evolving role of women in both fashion and society. The show featured prominent figures, including Egyptian actress Nelly Kareem and Jasmin “Golden Barbie” Sanders, who expressed her excitement about performing in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

“It’s my first time here in Saudi Arabia, and it has been absolutely magical. I’ve had an incredible experience in the 24 hours I’ve been here,” Sanders remarked. “Honestly, I wish I could stay longer; this show was truly beautiful. Being an empowering woman and uplifting other women by participating in this show has been a blessing. Walking alongside all these amazing women is an honour.”

As the event continues, Riyadh Fashion Week is not just a platform for showcasing style but also a celebration of empowerment and cultural identity. It encourages emerging talents to express themselves and contributes to the growing narrative of women’s empowerment within the Kingdom.

With its dynamic presentations and focus on cultural storytelling, Riyadh Fashion Week is poised to inspire both local and international audiences, establishing itself as a significant player in the global fashion landscape.