In its attempt to rise to recognition as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Riyadh is returning on October 16th with the third edition of their annual Riyadh Fashion Week. With the ever growing list of local and foreign talents set to present their work on a global stage, the lineup makes a strong case in solidifying Saudi Arabia’s legitimacy as a fashion hub with international appeal. From the over thirty collections being revealed, here are the designers to keep an eye out for over the course of the week:
October 16th – Vivienne Westwood
Arguably the highlight of the event, the Vivienne Westwood label will be opening Riyadh Fashion Week with a collaboration between the label and Saudi Arabia’s Art of Heritage Program. The exclusive pieces in this collection of gowns will contain a combination of their Spring/Summer 2026 line with curated archival Vivienne Westwood pieces, a love letter to local Saudi craftsmanship and art. Vivienne Westwood herself was known for her rebellion, bringing punk into the British luxury fashion market with her trademark boxy corsets, tartan, draping, and the political messaging she brought to the runway. Her art went beyond the materialistic, something which can be felt in her wake in the anticipation of this collection, one that fosters cultural connection and brings change to traditional mindsets.
October 16th – Adnan Akbar
A Riyadh Fashion Week veteran and one of Saudi Arabia’s most acclaimed couture brands, Adnan Akbar is most certainly one to watch this year. A former designer of the ladies of the Kingdom’s royal family, the “Yves Saint Laurant of the Middle East” runs his highly beloved local label as a family business with his children at the forefront of his business. While not much is known about the label’s upcoming collection, Akbar’s legacy of dressing royal women through a timeless vision of Middle Eastern beauty is shaping expectations for the next runway.
October 17th – Ashwaq Al Marshad
Ashwaq Al Marshad, one of Riyadh’s biggest runway hits last year, is returning for another round. Her show is not one to be missed as her line, formally limited to haute couture, has begun expanding into ready-to-wear. Al Marshad’s work is undeniably feminine, her gowns bringing out the beauty of the designer’s talent as well as the beauty of the women wearing them. The designs are anything but dainty, instead associating strength and sophistication with the concept of traditional femininity. Using nothing but the finest laces, silks, and leathers, Al Marshad is certain to live up to the standard she has set for herself in the industry.
October 18th – Razan Alazzouni
Following her runway debut in Riyadh last year, Razan Alazzouni is preparing another ready-to-wear collection to be presented at this year’s fashion week. A local homegrown talent, Alzzouni is known for a contemporary feminine motif across her portfolio of evening-wear designs. Her silhouettes are simple, opting for flowy and less structured pieces, but brings out the beauty in her design through tasteful cuts, sequins, pearls, and embroidery. The pieces she produces are undoubtedly elegant, but appear wearable and approachable for the consumer. Alazzouni is an incredible example of the talent Saudi Arabia has to offer to international markets.
October 19th – Hindamme
Run by Saudi-born designer Mohammad Khoja, Hindamme is an effort to translate the cultural identity of Saudi Arabia into contemporary art. Khoja garnered attention during last year’s Riyadh Fashion Week with a ready-to-wear runway collection featuring T-shirts with the slogan “Saudi Arabia is the future”. Khoja stated that he “truly [believed] in this message, because the opportunities and what we can achieve are limitless”. Taking heavy pride and inspiration from his Saudi roots, his upcoming collection to be debuted is inspired by the “five main regions” of the Kingdom; Jeddah, Al Ula, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Aseer.
October 20th – 1886
Founded by two former university roommates, cofounders Khalid Al-Jammaz and Fahad Al-Jomiah’s streetwear brand was created out of their dorm room in London. With the founders working as entrepreneurs with little experience in fashion and design, 1886 brought international streetwear and workwear trends into the Saudi fashion scene. The brand focuses on layering durable pieces with strong silhouettes, including but not limited to hoodies, sweatpants, dresses, and T-shirts. Everything feels rugged and worn in, elevating workwear to the luxury market.
October 21st – Stella McCartney
Coming fresh off of revealing her Spring/summer 2026 collection at Paris Fashion Week, Stella McCartney will be closing Riyadh Fashion Week 2025. Making her Middle East runway debut, much like Vivienne Westwood’s label, McCartney will also be presenting a combination of current collections alongside curated archival pieces. Her runway will be nothing short of a bold finish to an already stacked week.
