The inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week (RSFW) officially wrapped up on Saturday, marking the first of many to come. Organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission, the extravagant two-day event took place at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort and showcased a stunning array of regional and international designers. Against a vibrant, summery backdrop, the event was filled with numerous highlights, from the debut of the first swimwear brand on a Saudi runway to ethereal collections by regional designers like Tima Abid, loungewear by Yasmina Q, and more.
The fashion show lineup featured seven female-owned brands from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Egypt. Additionally, a showroom hosted 21 brands, including the Saudi 100 Brands, Moroccan labels, Egyptian lines, and Turkish garments. RSFW’s unique setting catered to a range of tastes, attracting buyers from local, regional, and international markets, thus bringing the talents of Saudi Arabia to a global scale.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, said of the inaugural fashion week: “This three-day event at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort has been a cultural exchange connecting local, regional, and international brands in the heart of one of the kingdom’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Our commitment to economic growth, sustainable development, and the promotion of local talents and creatives on a global scale is unwavering. The Saudi Fashion Commission is dedicated to fostering a dynamic ecosystem where creativity and business acumen flourish.”
Read on for some of the highlights from the event.
Tima Abid
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Kicking off the fashion week, Jeddah-born couture designer Tima Abid presented a collection that paid homage to Saudi’s sea and heritage with an array of marine-inspired gowns that flowed gracefully down the runway. Highlights of the collection included embroidered white gowns, sheer chiffon, micro ruffles, and fluid-like fabrics that beautifully resembled the sea.
EAU
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Moroccan label EAU kicked off the second set of shows on Friday, marking the first time swimwear strutted down a Saudi runway. With the turquoise St. Regis pool glistening as the perfect backdrop, the collection featured simple yet functional swimwear, including one-pieces with deep V-cuts, off-shoulder silhouettes, bandeau tops, and sarongs. Dominated by royal blues, mustard yellows, hunter greens, and maroon reds, the collection set an intriguing fall palette for the upcoming summer season.
Sara Altwaim
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The Saudi fashion designer’s offering featured white flowing lace and chiffon dresses, each piece catching the eye with individual flair, subtle beaded pearls, layered cuts, and a mix of fabrics. Altwaim introduced underwater-inspired chiffon fabric adorned with sketches of seabed creatures, such as fish, shrimp, and crab that made their way into various ensembles. Heavily-layered pearl necklaces, sarong-like skirts, bejeweled fishnets, metallic fabrics, and flowing garments drew their inspiration from marine life.
Yasmina Q
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Saudi designer Yasmina Q ended the shows with a collection of knitted rib dresses in mint greens, seafoam blues, bright yellows, corals, and more. Her signature silhouette featured flared sleeves and a fitted waist that flowed into an A-line shape, with some pieces sleeveless for a more daytime summer look. Styled with summery bucket hats and sunglasses, her collection also showcased an array of loungewear, from ribbed bottoms to simple fitted tops, ribbed button-downs, kimono tops, and loose sweaters.
