Saudi fashion is experiencing a global moment, with designers increasingly drawing on their heritage to create contemporary pieces that resonate with international audiences.
This surge in recognition is supported by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural development and provides designers with platforms like Riyadh Fashion Week and AlUla cultural programming to access global markets.
These initiatives, along with the Saudi Fashion Commission (a government body under the Ministry of Culture established to develop Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry locally and internationally), are helping to transform the Kingdom into a global fashion hub.
Here are six Saudi designers who are making waves by recasting tradition for the global fashion stage:
Mohammed Ashi — Couture with Gulf identity
Mohammed Ashi melds couture techniques with regional sensibilities, elevating Saudi couture onto the international stage. His sculptural gowns and dramatic sleeve and neck constructions pay homage to traditional Middle Eastern silhouettes, creating a stunning fusion of contemporary artistry and heritage.
In 2023, Ashi made history as the first designer from the Gulf region invited to showcase his creations at Paris Haute Couture Week (showcases exclusive made-to-measure designs by officially recognized couture houses, while Paris Fashion Week presents ready-to-wear collections from a broader range of designers).
Ashi has also been appointed as a mentor for Saudi’s Fashion Commission, advising the institutions to reach new goals in local fashion.
Arwa Al-Banawi — Modern Saudiness: Streetwise and rooted
Arwa Al-Banawi blends relaxed tailoring and sporty urbanwear with patterns and color cues that nod to Saudi regional identity.
Her work includes capsule collaborations with brands like Adidas and Levi’s, which are sold regionally.
Al-Banawi frames Saudi visual culture for younger, global audiences through approachable, wearable pieces. In December 2024, Al-Banawi rebranded her label to ARWÁ, launching a new e-commerce platform to amplify her global presence.
Razan Alazzouni — Sculptural couture rooted in Saudi craft
Razan Alazzouni’s work channels sculptural forms, handcraft, and regionally inspired ideas into pieces that read as both contemporary art and cultural statement. Her sculptural gowns and textiles reference regional craft traditions.
A Saudi-born designer recognized across the Gulf and beyond, Alazzouni’s work speaks to generational identity and regional craft sensibilities. She focuses on light, layering, beading, and delicate embroidery. Alazzouni’s brand was selected to be the face of the Young Generation Saudi Vision 2030.
Honayda Serafi — Luxury that wears its heritage
Honayda’s brand interprets regional narratives into luxury ready-to-wear and demi-couture for a global audience. She has successfully positioned Saudi heritage within the international luxury retail and editorial circuits.
In 2022, Honayda made history by partnering with Harrods, becoming the first Saudi designer to unveil a curated selection from her “A Charm from Afghan” collection.
Following this achievement, in 2024, she debuted at Saks Fifth Avenue, marking her as the first Saudi woman designer to be featured at the iconic department store. Honayda’s work is distinguished by 3D embroidery and narrative collections that celebrate the artistry and strength of Saudi women and their craft.
Tima Abid — Couture inspired by Saudi landscapes and ritual
Tima Abid’s couture references the Kingdom’s natural landscapes and regional dress archetypes. Structured silhouettes recall dunes, oases, and traditional forms, reworked into haute pieces for global runways.
Abid is a recognized Saudi couturier whose runway work cites local topography and dress as direct design inspiration. In 2020, Abid debuted her collection on the sidelines of Paris Haute Couture Week.
Adnan Akbar — The founding generation reimagined
As one of Saudi’s earliest couture houses (1970), Adnan Akbar’s work is a living inspiration for many designers. His embroidery, luxury fabrics, and royal patronage show how traditional techniques were historically elevated into high fashion.
Adnan Akbar’s talent reached beyond borders, garnering him worldwide recognition. A significant milestone for Akbar’s was in the 1980s when he took part in the Second International Fashion Festival in Paris (an independent platform that highlights emerging and international designers), presenting Saudi craftsmanship to a global audience. Elizabeth Kaufmann of Harper’s Bazaar France lauded his creations as “unique artistic masterpieces.”
These designers create garments and shape a new narrative for Saudi Arabia, one that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing a modern, global outlook. Moreover, the Saudi fashion industry is expected to reach USD 42 billion (SAR 157 billion) by 2028, contributing significantly to the Growth Domestic Product (GDP) and empowering women.
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