Saudi Designers Wowed the Fashion World at Expo 2020

Saudi designers glammed up the ramp at the Expo 2020 in the UAE with their latest breathtaking collections. The show was held on 16th February, Wednesday. It was organized by the Saudi Pavilion to celebrate their Kingdom’s fashion, culture, and designs. Three homegrown labels: ArAm, Tima Abid, and Abadia, showcased their labels in Dubai before a vast audience. 

Riyadh-based fashion designer, Arwa Al-Ammari, founder of ArAm, opened the show with a fusion of the traditional and the trendy. Inspired by the Kingdom's heritage, he came up with traditional designs and touched them up with modern twists. The ideas were executed in his flowy skirts, printed abayas. He also showcased patterns of sadu weaving in his collections.

Saudi label Abadia followed ArAm, with its ethical collections. This Dubai-based family-owned brand, focused on earthly colours to show its commitment to culture and sustainability. Traditional crafts like sadu and naqda were integrated into the collection that also comprised harness belts and oversized coats. Designer Shahd AlShehail presented a no-frills collection featuring clean aesthetics that looked both luxurious and comfortable. Alicia Keys, Grammy Award-winning singer, and songwriter wore two of Abadia's creations at her historic concert in AlUla. She referred to the brand as a "local magnificent designer" and added: "I had to make sure that I put on a second Abadia outfit,"

The show was closed by Abid, the founder of the eponymous womenswear label. The collection was indeed a show-stopper collection, ranging from fitting gowns to puffy dresses. The gown with the embroidered golden palm tree caught the attention of the audience more than the others. It received much appreciation as a perfect inspiration from the Kingdom’s landscape.