Vivienne Westwood to Launch Riyadh Fashion Week 2025: A Cultural Milestone
RIYADH – In a groundbreaking move for both the fashion industry and cultural diplomacy, Vivienne Westwood is set to open Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 with a runway show on October 16. This event marks the first time the iconic British fashion house will showcase its work in the Middle East, symbolizing a significant cultural exchange between British fashion heritage and Saudi craftsmanship.
A Unique Venue and Collaborative Spirit
The runway show will take place in a picturesque palm grove in Riyadh, a location chosen to honor the palm tree, which is a national symbol of life, resilience, and prosperity in Saudi Arabia. The event will feature a capsule collection of embroidered gowns, created in collaboration with Art of Heritage, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving Saudi Arabia’s rich legacy of craftsmanship. These exclusive pieces, meticulously embroidered by local artisans, will be presented alongside Vivienne Westwood’s Spring 2026 collection and select archival designs.
Carlo D’Amario, CEO of Vivienne Westwood, expressed his excitement about this unique opportunity. “This is the first time we are hosting a runway show in the Middle East, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to do this in Riyadh,” he stated. D’Amario emphasized that the collaboration embodies the house’s “global-local” philosophy, asserting that fashion should transcend mere aesthetics to foster connections between cultures.
Empowering Local Talent
In a bid to nurture local talent, approximately 100 students from Saudi fashion schools have been invited to attend the show, with a mentoring session scheduled prior to the runway presentation. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of Riyadh Fashion Week, which aims to cultivate a vibrant fashion ecosystem in the Kingdom.
Princess Nourah bint Mohammed Al Faisal, CEO of Art of Heritage, highlighted the significance of this collaboration for Saudi craftsmanship on the global stage. “Heritage is not a relic of the past, but a living force that shapes how we see ourselves and how we imagine the future,” she remarked. The partnership with Vivienne Westwood, she noted, showcases how Saudi craftsmanship can resonate with authenticity and creativity on an international level.
A New Era for Riyadh Fashion Week
The Vivienne Westwood show represents a pivotal evolution for Riyadh Fashion Week, which is now opening its official calendar to international fashion houses for the first time. Since its inception in 2023, the event has quickly established itself as one of the Middle East’s most significant cultural moments. Running from October 16 to 21, Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 will feature over 30 runway shows and fashion presentations, encompassing a diverse range of styles from couture to streetwear for both men and women.
The event will be set against some of Riyadh’s most iconic landmarks, including Bedrock, Al Mamlaka, and JAX, blending large-scale runway spectacles with intimate fashion showcases. This year’s designer lineup reflects the Kingdom’s unique position as a bridge between heritage and contemporary design. Saudi labels such as Tima Abid and Atelier Hekayat will present couture collections, while Abadia will showcase sustainable ready-to-wear. Additionally, Hindamme will offer contemporary designs, and 1886 will debut a new season of streetwear.
Supporting the Local Fashion Ecosystem
Initiated by the Fashion Commission under the Ministry of Culture, Riyadh Fashion Week plays a crucial role in advancing the local fashion ecosystem. The commission, established in 2020, aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for design, talent, and cultural innovation. By driving investment, building regulatory frameworks, and supporting emerging Saudi fashion talent, the commission is laying the groundwork for a sustainable fashion industry in the Kingdom.
For Vivienne Westwood, this collaboration aligns seamlessly with the brand’s long-standing commitment to craftsmanship and heritage. The house has consistently integrated artisanal fabrics and hand-embellished details into its collections, engaging with local artisans and heritage-led production to sustain communities and support traditional skills worldwide.
A Symbol of Cultural Exchange
The opening show promises to be more than just a fashion event; it symbolizes a cultural exchange that demonstrates how global fashion houses and regional craftsmanship can create new narratives for the industry. As Princess Nourah eloquently stated, “It is more than fashion. It is about building bridges between histories, identities, and creative worlds. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for Saudi artisans to share our story with clarity, beauty, and confidence.”
Conclusion
The upcoming Vivienne Westwood runway show at Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 is poised to be a landmark event, not only for the fashion industry but also for cultural diplomacy between the West and the Middle East. By showcasing the talents of local artisans alongside a renowned international brand, this collaboration highlights the potential for fashion to serve as a medium for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. As the world watches, Riyadh is set to emerge as a vibrant center for fashion and creativity, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
