< PreviousWhere lace meets grace is a phrase which eloquently sums up the stunning new collection from luxury bridal house Fatima Alabdulqader. The designer elevated clean lines in silks and satins with embroidery and lace for the ultimate in grandeur and elegance. “Happiness is precious and contagious,” explained Fatima of her Dream in a Dream show for Riyadh Fashion Week, and this ethereal presentation was truly full of joy, carefully curated to make any bride feel her most confi dent and beautiful. This collection was testament to the attention to detail and craftsmanship Fatima afforded each look. Contemporary but with an eye on timeless design, the gowns are designed to offer both a sophisticated silhouette and the ultimate in luxury. The decorative fl ourishes are like a love story threaded delicately though each creation. From the delicate peonies embroidered through bodices, veils and trains, to the intricately embellished gloves and capes, the looks received a fi nal polish with fi ne jewellery from Lustro. The result? One of Riyadh’s most popular bridal labels proved dreams really do come true. FATIMA ALABDULQADER 268 246-273_VISION_VOL2_RFW_COUTURE-MS.indd 26819/04/2024 14:09269269 246-273_VISION_VOL2_RFW_COUTURE-MS.indd 26919/04/2024 14:09270270 246-273_VISION_VOL2_RFW_COUTURE-MS.indd 27019/04/2024 14:09Dar Alhanouf is the crown jewel of bridal couture, and not without good reason. Founder and creative director Al Hanouf Mazen has been dressing brides for over a decade and is accomplished at fusing bold architectural shapes with opulent fabrics and delicate details. Meanwhile, French lace, taffeta and silks are hand embroidered with Swarovski crystal and intricate beadwork. The classic regency shapes may hark back to a bygone era but Al Hanouf ensures the designs are ready for any modern bride, thanks to stunning corsetry, face-framing veils and beautiful embellishment. The bridal powerhouse is a fi rm favourite with celebrities as their go-to for red-carpet couture, with infl uencer Reem Alswaidi and TV presenter Nada Al Shaibani having worn custom designs to the Saudi Cup and Paris Couture Week. Al Hanouf asserts, “I am sure that everyone who saw the collection will feel proud of the Saudi industry.” Few could argue. With a compelling expansion that includes couture and demi- couture ranges, footwear and fragrance lines, this in-demand design house possesses the potential to become the fi rst Saudi bridal brand to go global. DAR ALHANOUF 271 246-273_VISION_VOL2_RFW_COUTURE-MS.indd 27119/04/2024 14:09East met West on the fl aming hot runway at Hala Algharbawi’s show. The fi ery collection – which paid tribute to the multifaceted qualities of strength and femininity – included shades of saffron, paprika and sumac fused with petrol blue, soft lavender and midnight black. The standout silhouettes spoke volumes about Hala’s creative use of proportion, provocative shapes and an awe- inspiring aesthetic, with a nod to the opulent ’80s. This award-winning designer has already received international recognition, showing collections in Berlin, where the designer is based, and Beijing. She has also collaborated with Italian fashion label PINKO, and mentors young fashion students, passing on her unique creative skills to the talent of tomorrow. Hala’s childhood obsession with embroidery and ancient craft skills have evidently evolved and matured. She closed her Mendosa show with what has to be the silhouette of the season: acres of silk in warm turmeric tones, fl aming, phoenix-like, down the runway in a voluminous gown that took Riyadh’s breath away. With a spectrum of spicy show pieces, this trailblazing designer has proved, whatever the occasion, she can take the heat. HALA ALGHARBAWI 272 246-273_VISION_VOL2_RFW_COUTURE-MS.indd 27219/04/2024 14:09273273 246-273_VISION_VOL2_RFW_COUTURE-MS.indd 27319/04/2024 14:09274 274-303_VISION_VOL2_RFW_WOMANSWEAR-MS.indd 27419/04/2024 13:01275 WOMENSWEAR 274-303_VISION_VOL2_RFW_WOMANSWEAR-MS.indd 27519/04/2024 13:02When Halima Aden stepped onto Honayda’s runway during Riyadh Fashion Week, the signifi cance of female trailblazers was unmistakable. As a brand with a vehement voice, Honayda Serafi called on the Somali-American model – the fi rst hijabi to grace international catwalks – to declare the label’s core commitment to empowering women. The scintillating Spring/Summer 2024 Cosmos collection, as Honayda explains, “celebrates the bravery of women in space as they conquer the larger universe, and praises the achievement of those women who defi ed gravity, expanding the frontiers of knowledge and perception”. Within that, Honayda pays tribute to Rayyanah Barnawi, hailing “the fi rst Saudi female astronaut who went into space and joined a historic mission, symbolising progress, empowerment, and the limitless potential of women in pursuing their dreams regardless of barriers or frontiers”. The dazzling collection saw an array of elegant occasionwear, where dramatic silhouettes were interspersed with a rich palette of jewel tones. Since the brand’s 2017 inception, Honayda has succeeded in striving for innovation and modern craftsmanship while staying true to the heritage of the Kingdom. HONAYDA 276 274-303_VISION_VOL2_RFW_WOMANSWEAR-MS.indd 27619/04/2024 13:02277277 274-303_VISION_VOL2_RFW_WOMANSWEAR-MS.indd 27719/04/2024 13:02Next >