Fashion
Arwa Al Banawy: Making a Bold Fashion Statement
In light of changes and modernity, comes to light talents that beautifully use these changes in creating meaningful art. One of these artists who took inspiration from the current changes in the Kingdom is the fashion designer Arwa Al Banawy.
Arwa Al Banawy was born in Saudi Arabia, spent years in Switzerland and is now based in Dubai. Her designs are known to have elaborate prints that are inspired from diverse sources that eventually make a one of a kind piece.
She has just recently launched her SS19 collection, and once again, her designs are making more than just a fashion statement. Seeing how the collection celebrates the recent women’s achievements in the Kingdom.
Her inspiration came from the recent wave that is happening in the country, it reflects the beauty and power of the youth and how Saudi Arabia is now encouraging women and is working towards achieving gender equality.
The collection includes tailored suits, wide-legged pants and safari jackets, all in bold colors. The kind of cloth a fierce woman would wear, one who is confident and doesn’t fear change.
The young designer started her fashion journey in her hometown Jeddah as a fashion and lifestyle blogger, then moved to Dubai in 2012, where she took a job in banking but still enrolled in fashion courses in the London College of Fashion. And that was when she realized that her true passion is designing, and three years later, she launched her debut collection in 2015 and has been blessing us with innovative designs ever since.
Another source of inspiration for her designs is travelling; seeing how she spent years moving between several spaces, she owes credit to traveling being a part of her passion for storytelling.
Yesterday witnessed the inauguration of the Kingdom’s very first even that is dedicated excursively for fashion, entitled Fashion Futures, the three-day event will include talks, workshops, panels and discussions.
International fashion designers, editors, models, entrepreneurs including Halima Aden, Giles Deacon and Iris Van Herpen have all made it yesterday to Riyadh in order to attend this high profile fashion event. Big names are expected to lead the workshops and panels in order to develop the fashion sector, which is rapidly evolving in the Kingdom.
The international fashion event is part of the cultural vision that falls under the 2030 vision of the Kingdom, and it serves as a platform for young Saudis talents to interact with international fashion giants by opening up topics that affect the industry on both the global and local scale.
“By bringing together a diverse group of fashion experts from both the Kingdom and around the world we are facilitating international cultural exchange; providing Saudi fashion professionals with the opportunity to learn from some of the best in their respective fields, while offering a platform to showcase their talent to a global audience,” said Abdulkarim Alhumaid, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia.
“Fashion Futures is the first important step on a journey to transform the Saudi fashion industry from a nascent under-developed sector to a flourishing hub of creativity and innovation.” He added.
The following is the list of guest participants who’re taking part of the event:
- Halima Aden, International Model and Activist
- Hatem Al Akeel, Saudi Designer
- Hayat Osamah, Saudi Photographer
- Giles Deacon, British Designer
- Iris Van Herpen, Dutch Couturier
- Wil Beedle, Creative Director at All Saints,
- Arby Li, Editor-In-Chief of HYPEBEAST
- Ravi Thakran, Group Chairman, LVMH South Asia and Southeast Asia, Australia and Middle East
- Honayda Serafi, Saudi Designer
The event is taking place until November 6th and if you’re fashion maniac, register now through this link.
Fashion icon Giorgio Armani has confirmed that he will be heading to Dubai for the Cruise 2021 fashion show, the designer who first made his foray to the city ten years ago with the launch of his Armani hotel in Burj Khalifa is set to wow the city once again.
The Italian house will reveal their upcoming collection next April, but according to reports from the WWD, a final date for the show hasn’t been finalized yet.
One thing we do know is that the April show will coincide with the reopening of the brand’s boutique at the Dubai Mall.
Speaking to WWD, Armani praised the city’s hosting of Expo 2020, which is scheduled for October. “I’m very happy to be back in Dubai after 10 years, especially on the occasion of the Expo 2020 which will place a great emphasis on the city,” he said.
“Dubai is a luxurious and fascinating place with a soul focused on the future, always in pursuit of the imagination.” He added.
Also worth mentioning is that the iconic Giorgio Armani will be awarded with the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award‘ at the British Fashion Awards later this year.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has been named the creative director of London menswear label Qasimi and by that, continuing the reign of her late twin brother Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi who passed away on July 1.
Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi was the label’s fashion designer and the son of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Now according to a statement that was released by the brand, Sheikha Hoor is taking over and will be in charge of all business responsibilities and creative of the brand, with of course the help and support of the design team and head of design Adam Rice.
“While bringing her artistic sensibility to Qasimi, Hoor will seek to maintain Khalid’s aesthetic, which was centered around the idea of an urban nomad and built upon the pillars of architecture, color, military details and social-political messaging. She will strive to stay true to this messaging.
“Above all, Hoor will endeavor to preserve – and further – Khalid’s legacy and make sure that his memory is kept alive. She will present autumn/winter 2020 during London Fashion Week Men’s in January 2020, as Khalid’s last show, before presenting her own inaugural collection, spring/summer 2021 in June 2020.” The statement added.
Saudi Arabia Ends Gender Segregation in Restaurants
The Kingdom Ranked Among Top 10 in UN’s E-commerce Index
The Region’s Largest Music Festival MDL is Coming to Riyadh
Riyadh’s Upcoming Concerts That You Can’t Afford to Miss
The Kingdom Is Hosting The World’s Very First Desert Polo Tournament
Saudi Arabia Grants Permanent Residency to Foreigners
Messi Thanks Turki Al-Sheikh For His Wonderful Hospitality
Saudi Art & Cultural Exhibition Launches in Paris
‘Diriyah Gate’ Project to Be Inaugurated This Month
Sherine, Assala Nasri and Saber Rebai to Share the Stage Next Week
El Shorfea, your ideal go to restaurant
The artistic side of Dr Mohamed Emad
Range Rovers, and Quality Time With Family. Into The World of A Great Dad
A Closer Look Into Lojain Omran World
