The global fashion spotlight is firmly fixed on Saudi Arabia as Vivienne Westwood opened Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 with a bold, history-making runway show. One of the most anticipated events on the regional style calendar, the week-long fashion spectacle is fast becoming a powerhouse platform for Saudi talent, staging their work alongside international icons.
Following last year’s star-studded front row, with the likes of Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Monica Bellucci in attendance, this year is poised to raise the bar even higher. Bookending the event with British fashion royalty, Riyadh Fashion Week will wrap with Stella McCartney’s first-ever show in the Kingdom, marking a powerful finale that reinforces Riyadh’s rising status as a global fashion frontier.
Vivienne Westwood’s opening show, the brand’s debut in the Middle East, set a powerful tone. Inspired by traditional Saudi craftsmanship and co-created with local artisans, the collection was a tribute to cultural exchange and artistic freedom. The show also symbolised a shift in international perceptions of Saudi fashion, where once there were stereotypes, now there is a bold new narrative of freedom, creativity, and self-expression.
Saudi women are leading this shift. Their fashion today is not defined by limitations, but by choice—a sentiment echoed throughout Riyadh Fashion Week, where traditional motifs are reimagined through a contemporary lens. Local designers making waves this year include Atelier Hekayat, the sister duo known for dressing supermodels like Helena Christensen and Eva Herzigova, and Arwa Al Banawi, whose high-end streetwear is beloved by celebrities.
Riyadh Fashion Week is just one facet of Saudi’s wider cultural renaissance. From the Red Sea Film Festival and MDL Beast Soundstorm, to headline-grabbing entertainment events like WWE’s Royal Rumble and the 6 King’s Slam, the Kingdom is fast becoming one of the world’s most dynamic destinations for art, culture, and global experiences.
The world is watching, don’t just follow the story, live it. Visit Saudi
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
