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| Source: DERZA at Riyadh Fashion Week 2025. |
Modest clothing has become a global style statement, thanks in large part to a new wave of Saudi designers. By blending tradition with modernity, they are rewriting the rules of fashion and setting trends that extend far beyond the Middle East, said the Saudi Tourism Authority.
No longer restricted to the traditional black, abayas now appear in a variety of colours, fabrics, and cuts. Hijabs, too, represent confidence and individuality, coming in silk, chiffon, or cotton with lively prints and new hues.
The message: women can honour their cultural roots while embracing their personal style. That balance between heritage and self-expression is the heart of Saudi fashion’s power.
Riyadh Fashion Week in October 2025 has emerged not merely as a regional event but as a global barometer for how fashion is evolving—especially for modest, culturally-rooted design. Vivienne Westwood’s debut capsule combined British couture with Saudi artisan embroidery, creating gowns that conveyed heritage through gold threads and delicate stitchwork while previewing the house’s Spring/Summer 2026 direction.
Local talents such as Tima Abid impressed with crystal-embroidered volumes and sculptural forms that blurred the lines between tradition and contemporary elegance, while Razan Alazzouni showcased her Monotone collection, featuring fluid, understated pieces that highlighted refinement over spectacle. Meanwhile, HINDAMME presented Hejaz, a collection highlighting the heritage of western Saudi in a contemporary style.
What Riyadh signals for 2026: a blending of grounded cultural identity with approachable global style, mirroring Indonesia’s own trajectory. This year, Indonesian designers are leaning into heritage with a light, wearable hand while global fashion looks increasingly to voices who can articulate culture through comfort, climate, and confidence, said the Authority.
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Browse the Visit Saudi website to plan a trip.
For Indonesian travellers, exploring Saudi has become increasingly seamless, with simplified visa options and expanding flight connectivity. Holders of a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa, complete with an entry stamp from the issuing country, can apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival when travelling to KSA. Those travelling for umrah can also extend their journey beyond the holy cities.