In the past, the Arab Nations were significantly distanced from global fashion trends and focused more on their cultural and traditional issues; however, in recent years, fashion and its subcultures in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have gained considerable attention as manifestations of cultural and social changes. Events such as the Dior Exhibition in Riyadth, Riyadth Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, and events like Arabia Trust Fashion in Morocco and 1001 nights in Riyadh all indicate the countries’ desire to position themselves as the center of the global fashion industry. This article will examine the developments in fashion in Arab nations, the reason behind these changes, and the place of fashion in the region.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become one of the emerging centers in the fashion world, a transformation resulting from a combination of factors. Including:
● Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
One of the main reasons for these changes is the Vision 2030 program of Saudi Arabia. This plan, introduced by Mohammed bin Salman -the country’s Crown Prince- aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce dependence on oil. Part of this vision includes the development of cultural, artistic, and tourism industries. Saudi Arabia has made advancements in music, such as hosting concerts by major artists like Eminem, Jennifer Lopez, and the band Metallica in Riyadh; progress in sports –attracting famous football players including Cristiano Rolando, Neymar, and Karim Benzema– and securing the hosting of the World Cup in 2034. The fashion industry has also seen significant progress as part of the Vision 2030 strategy.
● Cultural and Social Reforms
For years, Saudi Arabia was perceived as a conservative and closed country. However, with recent reforms in social areas, such as increased freedoms for women and the opening up of cultural sectors, this country has presented a new and modern image of itself. Fashion, as one of the tools of cultural change, plays an essential role in this imaging. This trend can also be seen in other Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Kuwait, and Iraq, where the fashion industry has gained a significant position as part of the economic and cultural development strategies, contributing to the growth of these countries on the international stage.
● Notable Fashion Events in Saudi Arabia
The fashion industry in the Arab nations has seen significant growth in recent years, with some countries hosting prominent international fashion events. These events provide not only an opportunity to showcase the works of local and global designers but also serve as platforms for cultural and commercial exchange in the fashion industry. From Dubai to Cairo and Riyadh, these cities have played a crucial role in promoting the fashion industry globally by hosting fashion weeks and prestigious design exhibitions, becoming a focal point for brands and designers.
● 1001 Seasons of Ellie Saab
The Riyadth Season has recently attracted global attention with major cultural and artistic events, including large fashion shows. One of these events is 1001 Seasons of Ellie Saab, which showcased the works of this prominent Lebanese designer. This event was not only a tribute to 45 years of creative and luxurious Arab design but also acted as a symbol of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and international Middle Eastern designers. This event combined fashion, art, and entertainment, featuring over 300 outfits alongside notable performances by Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Camila Cabello.
One of the exciting events of this occasion was the presence of celebrities like Halle Berry, who appeared on stage in her iconic dress from the 2002 Oscars. This event was generally considered a grand celebration of fashion and Arab culture and was seen as a milestone in the history of the Ellie Saab brand. In a statement about this brand, Ellie Saab claimed that “1001 Seasons of Ellie Saab” is a celebration of 45 years of his brand and an opportunity to start a new and hopeful season in the Arab World. He added that this show presented a wide array of creativity from Arab culture and its golden age in fields of thought and innovation showcased globally.
● The “Fashion Trust” Award
Fashion Trust Arabia is a non-profit organization providing financial assistance, consultancy, and guidance to emerging designers from across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, creating a platform for the growth and international recognition of Arab designers. The FTA award is the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world, with its inaugural edition held in 2018, supported by prominent figures such as “Sheikha Moza bint Nasser” and “Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamed Al Thani” in Doha, Qatar. This year, however, the event was held in Morocco to strengthen connections between various communities through cultural exchanges.
Six top designers are selected every year in six different design categories. A new Fashion 2024 Award Tech (FTA) award has been added starting this year. This organization is dedicated to promoting Arab creativity, introducing talents from across the MENA region, and supporting and promoting designers’ works through its platforms. It collaborates with various brands and has launched joint collections to raise funds for its design community.
● Dubai Fashion Week
Dubai Fashion Week, launched by the Dubai Design District (3D) and the Arab Fashion Council, is one of the prominent fashion events in the Arab world and increasingly on a global scale. This event was held for the first time in 2023, focusing on local and international designers, aiming to create a platform for showcasing talents and strengthening international collaborations in the fashion industry. In 2024, Dubai Fashion Week took place for its third edition from February 4 to 8. The event was hosted at District Design Dubai and included shows from regional and global designers, such as Cinco, Michael, Blessed, and Dima Ayad. The highlights of this edition included the opening show by Malaysian designer Ruzaini Rizman and the presence of well-known figures like Naomi Campbell on the runway.
Also, this Fashion Week was held before New York Fashion Week to gain a strategic position in the global fashion calendar and provide more opportunities for visibility by buyers and the media. Dubai Fashion Week includes panels, brand exhibitions, and events for networking alongside its fashion shows. This combination has created a unique platform for connecting designers, brands, and global buyers. This event showcases the growth and power of the fashion industry in Dubai as a worldwide center of creativity and design.
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● Dior Exhibition in Riyadh
The exhibition “Dreams of Designer: Dior Christian” was inaugurated on November 21 at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in the Al-Muqayyar area. For the first time in Saudi Arabia, the exhibition showcases over 200 archival haute couture garments, along with accessories, original sketches, and designs that recount the rich and inspiring history of the Dior brand. This exhibition reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand its culture and present global art and design to domestic and international audiences.
The exhibition features iconic Dior pieces from different eras, focusing on the works of prominent creative directors like John Galliano, Maria Grazia Chiuri, and others. Famous garments such as “Look New,” which have become signatures of Dior, are displayed alongside other nostalgic designs. This event addresses the brand’s history and showcases the transformation brought about by each creative director at Dior, from the legacy of Christian Dior to more modern reinterpretations.
● Kuwait Oud Fashion Talks Event
This event is one of the most prominent fashion gatherings in the Gulf region. It aims to create a bridge between the local fashion world of Arab countries, especially Kuwait, and the international fashion scene. The Oud Fashion Talks conference focuses on creativity and futurism in the fashion industry. It provides a platform where creators, designers, and fashion enthusiasts can meet prominent figures and experts from this industry worldwide and benefit from their experiences and knowledge.
Oud Fashion offers participants an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest fashion trends while gaining deeper insight into the challenges and opportunities in this field. This event was created by Zainab Al0Abdulrezzaq, the founder of the fashion and beauty publication “3 com.oud”. She launched this event in 2022, intending to develop a platform for dialogue and inspiration and connect the local fashion world to the global scene. With her experience and deep understanding of the fashion and beauty industry, Al-Albulrazzaq designed this conference to exchange knowledge and create new chances in the fashion world.
● Dubai Design Week
Dubai Design Week is one of the most important design events in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region, and it is held annually in Dubai. Launched in 2015, this event serves as a comprehensive platform for showing innovations in industrial design, architecture, fashion, art, and technology. A significant section of this event is “Downtown Design,” where established and emerging brands display their collections. Additionally, this week pays special attention to promoting sustainable and Indigenous design and provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange and professional connections within the global creative community. Fashion designers also have a substantial presence at this event, presenting their innovative collections.
● Cairo Fashion Festival
This festival is a fashion event in Egypt and North Africa that introduces emerging and professional designers. It takes place annually in Cairo and includes fashion shows, live performances, workshops, and networking sessions. This festival provides a unique opportunity for young designers to showcase their talents and connect with industry professionals. Moreover, it helps attract fashion enthusiasts and luxury apparel, becoming a key gathering point for regional designers and leading brands.
● Beirut Fashion Week, Lebanon
Beirut Fashion Week is one of the significant fashion events in the Middle East. It is held in Lebanon and is renowned for its global reputation in luxury fashion and design. This event provides a platform for both Lebanese and international designers to showcase their latest collections. Lebanon has become a center of creativity and innovation in the global fashion industry because of its prominent designers, such as Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, and Georges Hobeika, and this event helps strengthen that position. Additionally, this event pays special attention to the combination of tradition and modernity by showcasing formal and evening wear alongside everyday collections, reflecting Lebanon’s rich culture through fashion.
● Saudi Cup Fashion Show
The Saudi Cup Fashion Show is a prominent event on the fashion and luxury events calendar in Saudi Arabia, held annually alongside the international horse racing competitions of the Saudi Cup. This fashion show brings distinguished local and international designers together to display their latest and most creative collections in a magnificent setting. The event is a blend of fashion, culture, and luxury that embodies the modern and traditional identity of Saudi Arabia. Designers often present collections inspired by Arabic culture, traditional attire, and contemporary designs. With the attendance of prominent figures from the fashion world, celebrities, and horse racing enthusiasts, the Saudi Cup Fashion Show has become one of the standout events in the social and fashion calendar of Saudi Arabia, playing a significant role in enhancing the country’s position in the global fashion industry.
● Modest Fashion Week
Modest Fashion Week is a global event focused on modern and creative clothing designs that align with cultural and religious principles. This event, held in various cities worldwide, including Dubai, Istanbul, and Jakarta, has become a platform for showcasing collections from designers working in sustainable, modest fashion that adheres to Islamic values. The main goal of this fashion week is to display diversity and creativity in designs that, while maintaining coverage, align with modern trends and global aesthetic standards. In addition to promoting modest fashion, the event addresses topics such as sustainable fashion, support for women entrepreneurs, and strengthening emerging brands.
● The Qatar International Fashion Festival (QIFF)
The Qatar International Fashion Festival (QIFF) is another fashion event in Qatar and the Gulf region. It showcases creativity and innovation in the fashion industry and brings together local, regional, and international designers to present diverse collections of luxury clothing, traditional outfits, and modern designs. The festival is part of Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its position in the global fashion industry. Focusing on unique and standout styles has become a platform for introducing emerging talents and established brands.
● Abu Dhabi Fashion Festival
One of the luxurious events in the United Arab Emirates’ fashion industry is the Abu Dhabi Fashion Festival, held in Abu Dhabi. This event showcases new talents and showcases the culture and art of the Emirates through modern and creative design. The festival is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to become a significant regional cultural and artistic hub. It attracts the attention of fashion and design enthusiasts from around the world.
● Red Sea Fashion Week, Jeddah
The Red Sea Fashion Week was held for the first time from May 16 to 18, 2024, in Jeddah. This event featured local and international designers showcasing their new collections, including RTW, safari, luxury collections, jewelry, and accessories. Red Sea Fashion Week bridges the past and future of fashion in Saudi Arabia, offering a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of local talents and draw global attention to the richness of Saudi heritage.
● Amman Fashion Week
Amman Fashion Week is one of the prominent fashion events in Jordan, focusing on introducing local, regional, and international designers. This event, held in the capital of Jordan, Amman, provides a platform for showcasing innovative and creative collections often inspired by Jordanian and Arab culture and traditions. With a focus on sustainable design and the use of local handicrafts, Jordan’s fashion weeks play an essential role in supporting the local culture and economy. This event has also helped strengthen Jordan’s position as a cultural and artistic center in the region, attracting the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
● L’Officiel Arabia Events
The Arabia Officiel’L events are a series of luxurious and prestigious fashion and design occasions organized by the reputable publication Arabia Officiel ’L. This publication, the Arabic version of the globally renowned fashion magazine Officiel’L, is recognized as a credible reference in the Middle East’s fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries.
The Arabia Officiel’L events include fashion shows, special celebrations, workshops, and luxurious gatherings that bring together prominent designers, famous personalities, and industry specialists. These events provide an opportunity to showcase new collections from luxury brands, emerging designers, and innovative concepts in the fashion world. The Arabia Officiel’L events are also recognized as a platform to promote sustainable fashion and art in the Arab world.
These events are held in stylish and prominent venues in various Middle Eastern cities, attracting media attention and fashion enthusiasts from around the globe. Arabia Officiel’L continuously strives to elevate the Arab fashion world internationally with events that meet global standards.
Displaying Cultural Identity through Fashion
Traditional and modern clothing are symbols of the cultural identity of each country. In the Arab world, the abaya, shimagh, intricate embroidery, and other conventional garments have inspired modern designs. This not only introduces the cultural identity of Saudi Arabia on the international stage but also helps establish connections with other countries through a shared language of art and fashion. For example, at events like Riyadh Fashion Week or the Dior exhibition in Saudi Arabia, combining local culture with modern designs has enabled the kingdom to present a unique image of itself to the world and engage in a cultural dialogue with other nations through fashion.
Conclusion
The changes in the fashion industry in the Arab world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, reflect the country’s social and cultural transformations and indicate Saudi Arabia’s efforts to find a new position in the global economy. The country has attracted attention by hosting significant events, supporting local designers, and collaborating with international luxury brands. These developments have transformed Saudi Arabia into one of the growing hubs of the fashion industry in the Middle East and demonstrate the region’s increasing importance on the global fashion map. It is expected that, with the continuation of this trend, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia will become leaders in the international fashion industry.
