< PreviousDespite his nomadic past, designer Naif Al-Haif has never forgotten where he came from, and looks to his homeland for inspiration as a connective thread that runs through his work. His SS24 collection, titled REBORN, is no exception. “These pieces symbolise the passion I’ve always had for designing,” he admits, “merging my fashion vision with a sense of my origin so that I could take the unique aesthetics of Diriyah and Salwa Palace and project them into my designs in a fresh way.” While cultural references lend emotional gravitas to his signatures, art, music and nature inspire modern cuts and roomy silhouettes with a global appeal. Geometric detailing on pockets, via prints or elevating the front of a denim bomber – a collection standout – provide a triumphant nod to Naif ’s architectural muses. His talent for tapping into the zeitgeist while re-imagining traditions is a skill worth nurturing – a talent the Fashion Commission clearly appreciates, given his inclusion in the Saudi 100 Brands initiative. “The support of the Ministry of Culture has put emerging Saudi designers on the map,” he observes, “and opened a window for the entire world to look at fashion from our perspective.” NOBLE & FRESH 318 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 31819/04/2024 13:19319319 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 31919/04/2024 13:19320 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32019/04/2024 13:19321 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32119/04/2024 13:19Transporting the audience from the heat of the desert to the chilly climes of Antarctica was Hajruss, with its latest collection, aptly named Sub-Zero. The innovative designers previously shot campaigns in avant garde settings including a supermarket and a laundrette before being invited to show at Riyadh Fashion Week. With a mission to challenge the traditional ideas of men’s tailoring, Hajruss did not disappoint. Sartorial surprises included futuristic forms paired with traditional fabrics such as wool and tweed, and asymmetric tailoring on pea coats and sleeveless jackets. Clean edges clashed with fur trims to give an overall feel of wearable meets muted luxury. Founder Saud Alsalah explains, “We’re inspired by the basic and playful everyday life of a human being.” The trio of young designers behind Hajruss have big dreams and ultimately hope to bring their modern-man aesthetic to the international market. Saud believes their customers “can be found anywhere in the world; they’re global and they’re creative”. For Hajruss, creating striking and modern pieces and receiving acclaim in their homeland is just the tip of the iceberg. HAJRUSS 322 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32219/04/2024 13:20323323 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32319/04/2024 13:20324324 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32419/04/2024 13:20Authenticity, creativity and individualism have informed Yazeed Abahussein’s vision since he launched Riyadh-based streetwear label Not Boring in 2017. Now, with a growing fanbase and confi dence, he has been able to fearlessly mine his back catalogue for new ideas. “The aim was to upcycle stock and mix and match from previous collections,” he reveals of the looks presented during Riyadh Fashion Week, “and to show people that we can work with what we have, instead of adding more things into the world.” While sustainability hasn’t traditionally been a major talking point among menswear designers, Yazeed is looking to change that with deconstructed looks ranging from utilitarian with the splicing of denim and leather, to elevated athleisure and half-sweatshirt, half- bomber-jacket ensembles. “Every look has more than one fabric,” he explains, “…to make it more versatile – we’re not telling you how to wear it.” One look, consisting of grey-tone cargo pants, vest, Chelsea boots and extra-long detachable sleeves “taken from a previous collection’s puffer jacket”, is pure clickbait. Yet underneath its playful editorial potential lies an utterly wearable foundation – a prime example of the secret behind Not Boring’s continued success. NOT BORING 325 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32519/04/2024 13:20Quoting an astonishing statistic, Noura Sulaiman declares, “85 per cent of the designers in Saudi Arabia are women. This shows how capable we are.” As the only female Saudi designer to present a luxury menswear collection at Riyadh Fashion Week, Noura’s not only championing female entrepreneurship, but doing so on her own terms, carving out a space in men’s fashion where her skills in timeless tailoring and quiet precision can really shine. For her Cruise 2024 collection, the Riyadh-based designer found creative impetus via Bruce Wayne’s yachting attire in a scene from The Dark Knight (2008) and the character’s “talent for reaching his goals – his charisma and ambition.” The result? Beautiful crisp white shirting styled with an open neck, perfectly tapered pants, pleat-detail shorts and waffl e- knit T-shirts – a wardrobe fi t for a superhero. “The success stories that have come out of the Saudi 100 Brands initiative makes me truly proud,” she shares of the programme that has supported her ambitions and journey from abaya capsules to tailoring worn by celebrity clientele. “And there’s more to come,” she vows. “We are going to build an empire!” NOURA SULAIMAN 326 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32619/04/2024 13:20327327 304-333_VISION_VOL2_RFW_MENSWEAR-MS.indd 32719/04/2024 13:20Next >