Back in full swing, Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 arrived with a slew of debuts from both local and international names, cementing its place as one of the region’s most ambitious cultural moments. Over the course of three striking days, the event unfolded as a confident expression of Saudi creativity, heritage, and global relevance.
On the opening evening, Vivienne Westwood made a memorable regional debut at The Palm Grove. In partnership with Art of Heritage, the house revealed a capsule of exclusive gowns embroidered by Saudi artisans. It was a striking collaboration that merged British avant-garde design with local craft to create a narrative that felt both respectful and boundary-pushing.
The week opened at Bedrock, a dramatic open-air venue carved into stone. Its raw, sculptural setting made for a powerful stage as Tima Abid, Adnan Akbar, and Atelier Hekayat delivered couture collections rooted in craftsmanship and cultural identity. The space’s monumental scale echoed the ambition of the designs, which were grounded, confident, and distinctly Saudi.
On day two, Bedrock once again hosted a series of standout ready-to-wear shows. Leem, Rebirth, AMN, Waad Al Oqaili, Ashwaq Almarshad, and Abadia presented collections that were modern, minimal, and intentional. These designers are helping shape a new definition of Saudi style, one that balances contemporary silhouettes with cultural nuance.
Day three shifted into a more intimate gear at the Mandarin Oriental. Designers Derza, Aleena, and Arwa Albanawi offered showcases focused on tailoring, texture, and personal storytelling. The evening brought the spotlight to The Roof – Al Mamlaka, where Riyadh’s skyline wrapped around the runway in a cinematic display. Femi9, Aram, Razan Alazzouni, Mona Alshebil, Reem Alkanhal, and SV by Saudia matched the setting with sleek, elegant collections.
A defining moment came when the final show was projected live onto the Mamlaka Tower, turning the city itself into a living part of the fashion narrative. Georgina Rodríguez and Leonie Hanne were among the international guests in attendance, underscoring the growing global gaze on Saudi fashion. Influencers, editors, and buyers from across the region and beyond filled the front rows, many dressed in designs by the very creatives they came to support.
As Riyadh Fashion Week moves into its final stretch, the message is clear: this isn’t fashion borrowing from the world. It is fashion built on its own terms, drawing from local roots and projecting outward with purpose.
Visit: riyadhfashionweek.com
