ST YLE & BEAUT Y
Arab Fashion Week: It’s Our Time
Adding to this year’s many firsts, Arab Fashion Week introduces Riyadh as an up and coming fashion capital.
By Nora Al Eisa
AFWR ran for three days, with the most noteworthy highlights being Dubai-based Saudi designer Arwa Albanawi, Lebanese eveningwear designer Basil Soda, and the Fashion Star Arabia winner, Saudi designer Arwa Alammari of Aram Designs.
Launched by the Arab Fashion Council, which recently opened an office in Riyadh, Arab Fashion Week Riyadh (AFWR) goes hand in hand with Saudi’s Vision 2030 in boosting the creative economy. 38 DESTINATION RIYADH MAY 2018
According to AFC’s honorary president, Princess Noura bint Faisal, “One of our goals is to nurture and develop creative talent in Saudi, and create a platform trusted by both local and international designers.”
About the inspiration behind her latest collection, Arwa Al Banawi said, “It alludes to the idea that culture wins. This collection was really inspired by the culture of Saudi Arabia. We incorporated the gold bisht embroidery and sadu fabric, and there were also fabrics that were very symbolic to the western world, like the tweed checkered fabric, which is very London inspired. I mixed east and west to highlight the contemporary modern Saudi woman; she’s a traveler, she’s educated, she’s smart, and she’s the future.”