Homegrown talent shines at Riyadh Fashion Week

Abadia presented a collection that explored soft volume and refined layering. (Instagram)
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Updated 19 October 2025
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Homegrown talent shines at Riyadh Fashion Week

DUBAI: Riyadh Fashion Week continued with a full schedule of runway shows wowing audiences across the city.

The second day highlighted presentations by Saudi brands Leem, Rebirth, Amen, Waad Aloqaili, Ashwaq Al-Mashrhad and Abadia, each bringing distinct interpretations of contemporary design rooted in craftsmanship and cultural identity.

 

 

Leem opened the day with a collection centered on fluid, modest silhouettes in a palette of deep tones such as burgundy, brown and black. The looks featured long dresses, skirts, jackets, tailored pants and blazers. A few dark gradient pieces added depth, while ivory ensembles offered contrast.

Rebirth followed with a bohemian-inspired collection showcasing dresses, skirts, tailored trousers and draped gowns. Fringe detailing appeared throughout, adding texture and motion to the clean silhouettes. Asymmetrical cuts and layered elements introduced variation, while the color scheme drew from soft, earthy hues — sand, taupe, olive and rust — complemented by ivory and chocolate tones.

Meanwhile, Amen unveiled a lineup that featured draped gowns, asymmetric dresses and flowing blouses that were crafted from silk and chiffon, while the brand’s signature crescent motif — derived from its logo — appeared as embroidery or beadwork across several designs. The palette shifted between jewel and pastel tones, including violet, royal blue, mint, ivory and blush.

 

 

Waad Aloqaili presented a couture collection defined by sculpted gowns and flowing capes adorned with layered beadwork and embroidery in shades of lilac, ivory and champagne. Sequins and crystals were arranged in shell-like patterns, highlighting symmetry and texture across the pieces.

 

 

Ashwaq Al-Mashrhad showcased designs emphasizing volume and contrast, featuring floor-length gowns, capes and tailored separates in soft neutrals, pastels and darker hues. Fabrics such as velvet, satin and embellished tulle appeared throughout, with floral detailing and layered structures contributing to the collection’s visual depth.

 

 

Closing the day, Abadia presented a collection that explored soft volume and refined layering. Wide trousers were paired with long coats, tunics and draped blouses in tones of brown, cream and gold, balanced by muted pastels and deep burgundy shades. Silk, velvet and wool were shaped into relaxed silhouettes that merged traditional influences with modern tailoring.

This year’s event also features two global fashion houses. Vivienne Westwood opened the event with a debut show in Saudi Arabia, while Stella McCartney is set to close the week with her first presentation in the Kingdom.


Millie Bobby Brown named ambassador for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

Updated 17 November 2025
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Millie Bobby Brown named ambassador for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: British actress Millie Bobby Brown has been announced as a brand ambassador for Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The “Stranger Things” star takes on the role as the hit Netflix show comes to an end, with Season 5 releasing in stages over the remainder of the year. The first four episodes will be available on the streaming platform on Nov. 26, followed by three episodes on Dec. 25, and the finale episode on New Year’s Eve.

Brown took to social media to share the news that she has been tapped as a brand ambassador for Yas Island, an entertainment destination in the UAE capital.

In a clip, she is seen back in the Byers’ living room, made famous on the show, framed by the glow of the iconic alphabet wall that is a key element of the “Stranger Things” storyline. In the video, she jokes about taking a holiday after five seasons of the show as the lights begin to flicker, illuminating one by one until they spell out “YAS.”

The move comes as “Stranger Things: The Experience” opens in Abu Dhabi. The fan experience gives visitors the opportunity to explore iconic settings from the show, from Hawkins Lab to rooms brimming with 80s nostalgia.

“This isn’t just a show; it’s an immersive journey where live actors and advanced 4D technology blur the lines of reality. Guests will have to unlock their own hidden powers to defeat terrifying Demogorgons and help Max and Eleven save the day,” a press release states.

Created by the Duffer Brothers, “Stranger Things” debuted in 2016 and quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular television series ever, with its fourth season amassing more than 140.7 million views globally.

The series has garnered over 70 awards worldwide, including Emmys and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Brown is the latest celebrity to take on a role with Yas Island, following the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Hart and Jason Momoa, who were all “Chief Island Officers.”

The role saw the actors star in a series of amusing adverts for the entertainment destination, including Reynolds appearing to skydive over Abu Dhabi.