DUBAI: For Saudi Arabian artist Raghad Al-Ahmad, the chance to incorporate her roots and identity into the fabric of the famed apparel company Adidas was a dream come true.
The collection — called “Bloom Sky” — features the usual crop of functional unisex pieces including pants, shorts, sweaters, jackets, hoodies and t-shirts.
Jeddah-born multidisciplinary artist Raghad Al-Ahmad designed the newest collection from Adidas. (Supplied)
In addition, it has women’s modest-wear pieces including abayas and hijabs, all with a distinct Al-Ahmad touch.
“I believe we need to respect and integrate cultural elements into our collection. By including modest wear, we can connect with individuals who value this aspect of their culture, creating a complete experience,” said Al-Ahmad during a recent interview with Arab News.
“As a designer who wears abayas daily and strives to be modest through layering and matching, I understand the importance of these elements. Adding them to our collection will have a significant impact, allowing us to craft something that truly resonates with the culture we are embracing.”
The name of the collection is inspired by a poem by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is renowned for his verse. The first sentence of the Arabic poem translates to: “The sky is pink and my desert is blooming.”
“As an Arab, I have grown up in a culture where poetry is a significant form of expression. I remember my grandmother always reading poems she had written, and my mother, who loved collecting poetry books.
She added that members of the royal family write poems, which are sometimes turned into songs. “I am particularly inspired by King Khaled’s poetry and his vivid descriptions of the natural world around him,” said Al-Ahmad.
The collection features women’s modest-wear pieces including abayas and hijabs. (Supplied)
The collection, which depicts iconography symbolizing flowers and stars, is an ode to all things Saudi and Al-Ahmad took inspiration from her everyday surroundings.
“My dad, an adventurer, retired from flight maintenance and began exploring Saudi Arabia in his motorhome. He opened a gateway to the country’s wonderful nature, camping amid the desert’s beauty.
“He introduced me to the captivating Saudi lavender flowers, showing his happiness surrounded by them in the desert. We found inspiration in the contrast between the sand’s color and the vibrant lavender,” said the Jeddah-born artist.
Al-Ahmad is a multi-disciplinary experimental artist who likes to work in mediums including collage, installation, sculpture and digital films.
Born and raised in Jeddah, she graduated with a degree in interior design at King Abdulaziz University in 2016.
Prior to this project with Adidas, Al-Ahmad has had partnerships with other international brands.
For example, in 2021, Al-Ahmad collaborated with luxury French label Jean Paul Gaultier to create playing cards that represent and celebrate the Kingdom’s culture on the occasion of Saudi National Day.
The “Bloom Sky” collection is part of Adidas’ efforts to collaborate and spotlight artists from the region. And also highlight their commitment to modesty and responsible consumption, whilst celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
“I was amazed by the Adidas team’s curiosity and their ability to adopt my culture in many ways, translating it into a product that everyone appreciates.
“The team paid attention to every detail, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Special thanks to each member … for bringing my culture into an innovative approach,” said Al-Ahmad.
