Saudi Arabian Fashion is Evolving into a New Realm

The Saudi Fashion Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, showcases new, authentically Saudi heritage-infused products while keeping up with contemporary industry data.

Besides, the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia is taking a new turn with the adoption of sustainable elements and the support of up-and-coming talents.

Saudi Heritage Revival Competition

The 100 Saudi Brands initiative sponsored the Saudi Heritage Revival Competition, and the winners were recently unveiled beneath the dome of the creative offices in Diriyah’s JAX District.

It is noteworthy to mention that Jax District, located in the Diriyah Governorate of Riyadh, is an industrial area that has been equipped to act as an incubator for the arts. This includes internal and external exhibitions, studios, and all the facilities that go along with it.

The goal of this is to support creativity and creators by offering a complete environment that is bolstered by the necessary media activity, accompanying centres, and events. This ensures intellectual and cultural exchange between local and international institutions and exhibitions, which elevates the creative state in the Kingdom’s arts sector.

Resuming its journey through the 100 Saudi Brands programme, which is making steady, cumulative progress, the authority announced the Saudi Heritage Revival Competition at the end of July of last year, inviting anyone hoping to work in the fashion industry that embodies sustainability and the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

Global Classics with Traditional Local Art

The competition gave competitors the chance to showcase not only their original designs but also a particular touch—the addition of crystal stones—presenting a fusion of worldwide classic components with genuine art and tradition. Products from the top producer of lead glass sometimes referred to as “SWAROVSKI” crystal, stand out for their excellent craftsmanship and superior quality.

Earlier this year, the Austrian firm and the Fashion Commission, under the 100 Saudi Brands initiative, collaborated to introduce the Saudi Heritage Revival Competition. From August 26, when the virtual inaugural meeting took place to inform the participants of the competition’s standards and goals, some steps existed in the competition. 

Subsequently, Riyadh hosted a number of guidance seminars from September 2–4, including a panel of specialists from the global brand Swarovski. Following the workshops, a third phase—a virtual follow-up phase—began on September 17 and 18. Being a people-focused phase, this one was unique and featured presentations by specialists evaluating the work of the participants.

Although the intended end date of this phase was September 25, the results and judgement remained undisclosed until October 3, 2024. The judging panel, which disclosed the identities of five Saudi women who took part in the competition, stated that the assignment was challenging due to the volume of entries and the calibre of the designs.

Leading these names was the designer Hiba Baatia, who received an internship as an award at one of the most prominent fashion businesses in Saudi Arabia, Dar Al Hanouf, in Jeddah.

Prospects Ahead for Saudi Fashion Talent

Within this framework, the program’s objectives are to develop the talents of the participants and inspire them to uphold Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity. Additionally, the programme aims to enhance the participants’ cognitive awareness in the fashion industry and inspire the participants to showcase their creative production in a nurturing environment marked by a willingness to the new without ignoring the past.

Al Anoud Al Jaber was among the top five winners, followed by Lama Al Habshi, Reem Bashawari, and Rawan Al Yami. With the topic of Street Art for the spring and summer of 2025, Swarovski hosted a worldwide competition for designers of ready-to-wear apparel, in which five designers were able to compete. 

Going back to the present competition, which, at the conclusion, showed the results, it is important to highlight that the organisers picked the Saudi architectural component, which the competitors’ designs used as a foundational idea since it is a complex and in-depth subject.

In anticipation of showcasing them in subsequent stages at Saudi and worldwide venues, the competition will likely uncover Saudi industry talent in its forthcoming editions.

Fashion Week, an open invitation to all young faces in the Kingdom to present their ideas, creativity, and ambitions for growing the Saudi Arabian fashion sector, is most likely going to return to Riyadh shortly.

Notably, the Ministry of Culture includes the Saudi Fashion Commission among its entities. 2020 saw the establishment of the Ministry of Culture to organise the fashion industry under a single strategy, with a single vision and objectives, establishing standards, and hosting events and exhibits.

Regarding the 100 Saudi Brands initiative, it is currently in its third cycle and has accomplished the necessary milestones to support its growth.