On Dec. 1, 2024, Riyadh made history with the launch of its metro system. Yes, we’ve seen it all over TikTok and no, we won’t try it until the hype is over—but hear me out. While cities around the world may already have metros up and running, this isn’t just any transportation development. For Riyadh, the metro marks the beginning of a new era.
As someone who spent seven years as a buyer for department stores, I can’t help but get excited. Why? Because this is more than infrastructure—it’s an opportunity to understand society, consumer behavior, and yes, fashion in a whole new light.
Let’s break it down: for years, Riyadh has been a city where privacy and independence reigned supreme. We’ve lived in our cars—literally and figuratively. Cars weren’t just a way to get from point A to point B; they were our personal space, our sanctuary. A place where we could control the soundtrack, the air conditioning, and yes, even our wardrobes. How many times have you found yourself swapping shoes, tossing a change of abaya into the backseat, or pulling out your makeup bag during the endless Riyadh traffic? I know I’m not the only one. Convenience and comfort were always at the center of how we moved.
But now, with the metro, we’re seeing a subtle but significant shift. The metro doesn’t just change how we get around—it’s about to change how we dress. And while this may seem like a small thing, trust me when I say it’s a shift that will trickle through fashion. When you transition from private cars to public transportation, practicality becomes essential. Sure, you may have spent years perfecting the art of wearing flats and then changing into heels the moment you arrive at your destination (because, let’s be real, that’s the Saudi way). But with the metro, things are about to get simpler or more complicated? I guess it will depend on who we are asking.
Think about it: when you’re navigating a metro, comfort will be key. Those stylish shoes that looked great because you never had to walk a mile in them? Not going to cut it. Those cross-body bags you’ve been wearing for years? Perfect for the metro—light, hands-free, and practical enough to carry through a busy day. The real question is: will we begin to see a shift toward more minimalist, functional, while obviously still remaining chic? Is this the beginning of an era where comfort and style finally coexist in a meaningful way? I have a feeling we’re about to find out.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting: as a buyer, I spent years analyzing consumer behavior, studying how external shifts—like infrastructure changes—affect purchasing habits. The metro is a data point like no other. For the first time, we’ll have a front-row seat to watch how people, from all walks of life, dress for this new public mode of transportation. We’ll see how the practical demands of commuting influence their choices in fashion. Will athleisure take off even more? Will we see a rise in cool sneakers And will we see a surge in versatile, Abayas that blend fashion and function in a way we’ve never had to before?
These shifts may seem subtle, but they’ll definitely change how we think about fashion. The beauty of the Riyadh Metro is that it doesn’t just serve one group—it’s a melting pot of commuters from all walks of life. For the first time, we’ll get a chance to see how people from all income brackets, neighborhoods, and backgrounds dress, all in one place. It’s a unique opportunity to witness how everyday style evolves and influences fashion. How fascinating is that?
Sure, some of these changes might seem trivial—after all, we’re still going to wear what we want, right? But it’s the small things that count. A shift in how we get around impacts our daily habits, which ultimately affects our fashion choices. What was once a city that depended significantly on cars and tailored wardrobes is slowly becoming a city where public transportation is now a choice of commuting and with that comfort, practicality, and style could come together in ways we’ve never imagined.
As someone who’s spent years studying consumer behavior, I can’t help but feel excited about what’s to come. The metro is more than just a new way to get from point A to point B—it’s a cultural shift, a lifestyle shift, and yes, a fashion shift. And I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
