A perfect blend of tradition and modernity shone brightly at the Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion competition, held on Sunday at Mansard Hotel – The Gallery in Riyadh. The event celebrated the talent of 10 local designers whose high-fashion creations honored Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. They used traditional techniques such as hand embroidery, natural dyeing, leatherwork, and even 3D printing.
The winning designs will be showcased at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition during the Saudi Cup 2025 this weekend. This marks a significant moment for both the designers and the Kingdom’s fashion scene.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity. “The ‘Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion’ initiative is designed to bring traditional Saudi attire into the contemporary fashion world. This enhances and preserves Saudi cultural heritage while nurturing local talent,” Cakmak explained.
Winning Designs:
Rand Al-Saif’s first-place design, ‘Saudiya,’ is a five-piece ensemble that incorporates intricate hand embroidery, natural dyeing, and traditional leatherwork deeply rooted in Saudi history. Inspired by the desert landscapes of Hijaz and Tihama, Al-Saif’s design was praised for its representation of the Kingdom’s vast natural beauty.
In second place was Maha Al-Qahtani’s ‘Sidrat Najd,’ an ethereal gown inspired by the sidr tree, a symbol of deep cultural significance in Saudi heritage. The gown features sustainable elements, including sidr fruit kernels wrapped in silver leaves and adorned with Swarovski crystals. This makes it a perfect fusion of nature and luxury.
Taking third place, Ghaida Majdali’s ‘Bride of the Arabian Peninsula’ pushed the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. The gown’s skirt took 350 hours of hand embroidery and 3D printing. It was made of metal and covered in natural camel leather — a bold representation of innovation in traditional fashion.
These winning designs will be part of a larger effort to promote Saudi culture and heritage. Cakmak noted the Ministry of Culture’s support through the “Year of Handicrafts.” The exhibition at the Saudi Cup 2025 will further highlight these remarkable creations. It will showcase the rich cultural diversity and talent emerging from the Kingdom.
