Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Frenzy: Designers to Look Out for in 2023

‘Fashion icon’ is a feeling. Let us explain. Whilst the term is normally reserved for the Zendaya-s and Blake Lively-s of our time, it is also used - very liberally - to describe TikTok-born babes who confidently pair pin striped anything with baby tees and Jordans with Airpod Maxs. It’s a term that no longer confines itself to starlets styled by Law Roach (LVMH drama aside) and is, instead, a descriptor that defines those who fearlessly wear what their hearts desire.

Much like the internet baddies, the Saudi Arabian fashion scene has embodied what it means to pioneer their own genres of ‘fashion icon’. They understood what it takes to step outside the confines of the prim and proper, in order to create pieces that both speak to them and the country they call home. That said, here’s a list of the talents currently weaving together the Kingdom’s fashion scene.

YOUSEF AKBAR

Whilst Jeddah-based designer Yousef Akbar might be making headlines dressing Hollywood stars like Alicia Keys, his fall into fashion came as a response to lonesome academic career in Logistics in Sydney, Australia. Subsequent to obtaining his undergrad he found himself deeply intrigued by the interplay between clothing and the human form. He seeks to push the boundaries of conventional garment design, experimenting with innovative cuts and construction techniques, all while remaining committed to the timeless qualities of elegance and femininity. Through his work, Akbar uses fabric as a means of communication, expressing his unique perspective and delivering his message through the medium of wearable art.

MOHAMMED ASHI | ASHI STUDIO

At the vanguard of contemporary haute couture stands Ashi Studio, a veritable temple of empowerment and elegance. Revered for its artful marriage of fashion and fantasy, this fashion house has draped a litany of luminaries, including the likes of Beyoncé, Cardi B, and Ciara, in sartorial masterpieces. With a singular devotion to his craft, founder and designer Mohammed Ashi has crafted a bold and striking signature style, each piece a testament to his artistry and devotion.

NORA AL SHAIKH

Hailing from the vibrant city of Jeddah, Nora is a designer with a wealth of experience, having devoted nearly a decade to her craft. Combining her deep-seated connection to Saudi heritage with her broad exposure to foreign cultures, Nora weaves a tapestry of diverse influences into her work. From the geometric shapes of architectural marvels to the whimsical allure of street art, her sources of inspiration are as varied as they are limitless. This gifted designer infuses her pieces with a sense of joyful exuberance, deftly incorporating feminine flourishes and delivering a unique and refreshing perspective to the world of fashion.

SHAHAD AL SUHAIL | ABADIA

Embodied in the creative creations of Abadia - the fashion label helmed by designer Shahad Al Suhail - lies a deep-rooted respect for the timeless power of culture. Driven by a steadfast commitment to ethical luxury, Abadia is dedicated to crafting enduring pieces that will be cherished and treasured across generations. Al Suhail's craftsmanship merges the feminine with the masculine, yielding a striking fusion of fluidity and structure that redefines contemporary fashion for the modern woman.

YASMIN ALSUDAIRI | JILBAB BY SABINE ABAYAS

In the storied tradition of handcrafted textile artistry, designer Yasmin Alsudairi has forged a bold and captivating path with her brand, Jilbab by Sabine. From intricately embroidered abayas to elegant kaftans, Alsudairi infuses each garment with personal artistry, meticulously crafted by hand with a range of luxurious fabrics including crepe, silk, cotton, linen, and velvet. In her hands, these materials become a canvas for the timeless beauty of traditional artisanship, seamlessly blending ancient techniques with modern sensibilities.

ARWA AL BANAWI

Arwa Al Banawi has firmly established her fashion label as a celebrated ready-to-wear brand, catering to the fashion-savvy youth of today. With a dynamic array of collaborations under her belt, including renowned brands such as Adidas and Levi's, Arwa's design aesthetic is marked by a fun and playful essence, characterised by her imaginative use of colour and bold patterns. Her pieces exude an air of youthful sophistication, making her an undeniable force to be reckoned with in the KSA fashion scene and a staple in Kris Jenner’s closet.

MOHAMMED KHOJA | HINDAMME

Infusing his designs with the indomitable spirit of Saudi culture, Mohammed Khoja has firmly established himself as a visionary force in the world of fashion. His unique creations have been lauded by critics and connoisseurs alike, earning him a place among the young, talented creatives who are shaping the future of the international fashion community. Drawing on his personal history as a self-taught designer from the Eastern Saudi province of al-Khobar, Khoja's works blend traditional and modern elements, showcasing a distinctive sense of place and purpose. These precise sentiments enabled his work to line the displays of  London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

RAZAN ALAZZOUNI

Drawing inspiration from the intricate details of art and sculpture, Razan has established herself as a designer of unparalleled creativity and aesthetic sophistication. With a rare ability to seamlessly weave together the classic and the contemporary, she has managed to tear through the industry’s saturated seams and breathe new life into pieces that are both timeless and modern. Every aspect of Razan's designs is imbued with an unmistakable sense of elegance, refinement, and luxury, reflecting her personal passion for creating fashion that captivates the senses and inspires the soul.

MOHAMMED BAJABAA | PROUD ANGELES

Since its inception in 2016, Proud Angeles has fused Saudi craftsmanship with the dynamic vibrancy of L.A. street style. Conceived by designer Mohammed Bajabaa, this online concept store is a true celebration of the intersection of artistry and innovation, effortlessly blending the best of two distinct cultures. Inspired by the raw energy and bold creativity of streetwear, Bajabaa's clothing line pays homage to the vibrant spirit of The City of Angels, channelling its unmistakable energy and style to create a unique and captivating aesthetic that captures the imagination.

SARAH FAISAL

A synthesis of love and luxury, Sarah Faisal’s handbags are a testament to the intersection of European style and Saudi artistry. Meticulously crafted from Italian leather, each piece is a seamless fusion of refinement and elegance, reflecting Faisal's dedication to creating bespoke accessories that transcend trends and endure as timeless icons. With a keen eye for detail and an unparalleled mastery of her craft, Faisal's handbags are imbued with a distinctive personality, evocative of a refined sensibility that has captivated the most discerning of clients. From the first stitch to the last, these artisanal creations are a testament to the power of artisanship, an honest celebration of the beauty that emerges when tradition and innovation collide.