< Previous18 014-019_VISION_VOL2_SAUDI CUP.indd 1818/04/2024 21:0219 a thobe-themed gown, which she fi nished off with gems from Luda Jewelry. And then there was the pigeon tower-inspired gown from white- hot Saudi brand Qormuz, which was worn by fashion model Linda Qari. It consisted of a dress with a number of deep pockets in which real birds were nesting. Through the course of the fi rst night, Linda took out one of the birds to release it with a poetic fl ourish so it could fi nd its way home. It was the talk of the event. One of the reasons the fashion quotient went up a signifi cant number of notches this year was the introduction of the Ministry of Culture’s Saudi 100 Brands exhibition to proceedings. Not a repeat performance of the pieces shown in the inaugural exhibition back in December of 2021, but a whole new gathering of fresh designs from both established and up-and- coming Saudi fashion, jewellery and accessory brands. These included Kaf by Kaf, Form, Masisa, Raghad Mereani, Linen by A and MD29. In fact, for its fourth edition, the Saudi Cup vastly expanded the scope of its event, turning it into a cultural nerve centre. Coinciding with the newly minted Saudi Founding Day, which became a holiday just last year, it capitalised on the opportunity of a four-day weekend. Besides the wide selection of dining options – from food trucks to fi ne dining with racecourse views – there were stores selling everything from riding gear and books to abayas and artwork. Plus a vast stage hosted a lineup of traditional and modern musical performances, including sets from DJ Bedouin and The Mayyas. Drawing attention was the massive interactive art exhibition presented by the famous sparkle artist Sara Shakeel. Her Oasis Gallery was a multi-layered experience that included shimmering indoor sand dunes, an interactive video display that featured glittering versions of Saudi monuments including Elephant Rock, and a sparkling horse statue covered in more than 25 million crystals that took 864 hours to create. It was both an Instagram moment and an inspiring take on the beauty of Saudi. The Saudi Cup has become a true high point in the Kingdom’s annual calendar, but not just for its high-stakes races. Rather, it is the people that make it so memorable. The pride in Saudi history, its culture and its bright future can be felt in every traditional handmade gown, elevated abaya or embroidered bisht. 014-019_VISION_VOL2_SAUDI CUP.indd 1918/04/2024 21:0220 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Marne Schwartz PHOTOGRAPHY Vladimir Martí FASHION ASSISTANT Charlotte Marsh Williams HAIR & MAKEUP Manuel Losada SENIOR PRODUCER Steff Hawker TALENT Nidhi Sunil AlUla’s sci- landscapes serve as a tting backdrop for the new generation of Saudi creative talent — respectful of their heritage yet resolutely facing the future 020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2021/04/2024 20:1221 Corset and Skirt , LURLINE. Shoes, STYLIST’S OWN 020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2118/04/2024 21:19Blouse and Pants, MD29. Shoes, STYLIST’S OWN 020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2218/04/2024 21:1923 Dress, ARAM BY ARWA ALAMMARI. Shoes, STYLIST’S OWN 020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2318/04/2024 21:1924 Dress, PAVONE. Shoes, STYLIST’S OWN 020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2418/04/2024 21:1925 020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2518/04/2024 21:19020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2618/04/2024 21:19Dress, NOORA HEFZI. Shoes, STYLIST’S OWN 020-053_VISION_VOL2_ALULA-MS.indd 2718/04/2024 21:19Next >