Princess Noura bint Faisal Al-Saud, founder of the Saudi fashion community, held a private trunk show in Riyadh this week which brought together well-known and emerging local talent, international designers and industry experts.
Transforming high-end Japanese restaurant Nozomi with the addition of a catwalk and design displays, participating designers had the opportunity to showcase their latest creations in a series of exclusive private shows organised by the Princess. Princess Noura is a strong advocate for Saudi designers and founded Global Fashion House to support and encourage the vibrant and creative Saudi fashion community.
The exclusive runway show began with pieces from five emerging local designers – Shams, Khawla Al-Harbi Mashael Al-Nassar, Ashwag Al-Mutairi and Saja Yousef – and attendees were impressed by the innovations and creativity on display.
Following the new talents, guests were treated to displays by favoured Saudi designers such as Lum by Lama Taher, RE:UNITE, Hindamme and Mashael Al-Rajhi, each with unique and signature looks. The presentation concluded with designs from internationally-known fashion brands Lama Askari and Tony Miranda.
Lama Askari shared the inspiration behind her beautiful pastel gowns with Arab News, saying: “The inspiration behind the collection was the butterfly effect, the transformation from the caterpillar to the butterfly. Most of the colours I used had two to three combinations, even in the embroideries. Because butterflies inspired me, I tried to stick to the colour scheme I found in real butterflies.”
Princess Noura was pleased with the outcome of the event, saying: “The attendance was more than we expected. We were getting last-minute calls to attend (the show was private and by invitation only). Everyone was so positive, in a good mood and very proud to show their work. I am proud of these Saudi designers. Everyone was so stunned by their work. It was exciting and hectic.”
Asked by a member of the press which of the emerging designers she favoured, the Princess demurred, saying: “Each one of them has their own style. Whatever is inside them came out today, I saw it.”
