A few miles away from AlUla, on Ummahat Al-Sheikh island, Red Sea Fashion Week made its much-anticipated debut on May 16. For the first show of its inaugural edition, organizers invited homegrown designer Tima Abid to present her latest sartorial creations which was an homage to Saudi Arabia’s rich sea heritage and maritime life.
Unveiling an enchanting series of embroidered white gowns adorned with beads and sequins, Abid incorporated many elements that consistently nod back to the Kingdom’s coastal shores, from fishnets, chiffon, and satin to flowing silhouettes that mimic the sea’s crashing waves on the body. What’s more, the collection also features a color palette that references the ocean’s myriad of shades, from deep to light tones of blue and cream to beige, specifically intended to evoke the country’s coastal reefs.
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“I was inspired for this collection by the Red Sea and its shades of sand. I used pearls, fishnets, and elements derived from the sea like the waves. I really aimed for couture to align with the mood that we’re in.” Abid told Arab News. “I can’t thank the Ministry of Culture and the Fashion Commission enough for this opportunity and this trust. This inauguration is truly historic for me,” she added.
Other stand-out items in her range include Abid’s jewel-encrusted gloves, capes and veils, which mostly play with traditional elements to create a more contemporary aesthetic. Blending bridal and evening wear together, her collection presents a harmonious fusion of classic elegance and modern sophistication, culminating in a final walk where models strut down the dock-turned-runway almost like sea creatures.
Abid set the tone for other participating designers to showcase their collections, including local and international creatives such as Sara Altwaim, Yasmina Q, Hadia Ghaleb, and Rebirth, which is closing out the Fashion Week.
