Homegrown Hero DAL is Honouring KSA Tradition, Heritage and Culture With A Special Saudi National Day Collection
Founded by Dalia Al Karnous, Bazaar Arabia sits down with the designer as she shares insight into her inspiration behind the line
With Saudi Arabia’s National Day tomorrow, the nation is buzzing with excitement and patriotic passion.
As The Kingdom continues to evolve and embrace change, the celebration of National Day through dress reflects the nation’s ability to honour its rich traditions while embracing innovation. For many creatives the way they celebrate their heritage and culture is through commemorative creation, something designer Dalia Al Karnous and founder of the label DAL is too familiar with.
The KSA-born brand embraces a unique aesthetic of maximalism and the abstract eye, founded on an ethos where elegance, authenticity, and bold fashion choices are keys to confident dressing. More is very much more.
As the brand drops a new commemorative collection in honour of Saudi Arabia‘s National Day, Bazaar Arabia sits down with Dalia to discuss what makes her pieces so unique.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What inspired you to create a collection specifically for Saudi National Day?
Dalia Al Karnous (DAK): The Saudi culture, heritage and history play a strong role in the foundation of DAL. Launching an exclusive collection for Saudi National Day is my way of paying tribute to the country I call home.
HBA: How does the collection reflect the cultural and historical significance of Saudi Arabia?
DAK: This collection embraces a seamless blend between tradition and modernity. Inspired by traditional Saudi Arabian jewellery patterns, I have portrayed this through embellished details, emphasising KSA heritage and culture; the collection boasts an array of flowy silhouettes in bold hues which are fused with metallic elements.
HBA: What message or emotion do you hope people will experience when they wear these designs?
DAK: I design every piece as a statement, to boast the rich culture of our country. I hope that every woman who wears it feels a sense of connection to our nation and a sense of pride to adorn it.
HBA: How does this collection bridge the gap between modern fashion and traditional Saudi clothing?
DAK: Each design in this collection embodies the spirit of Saudi Arabia through symbolic elements. The subtle tones of our culture is portrayed through the colour palette, cuts and embroidery work which represent the traditional aspect – while also reimagining this into modern-inspired silhouettes that suit the needs and taste of today’s women.
HBA: Could you highlight any signature pieces or standout items from the Saudi National Day collection?
DAK: Each piece in this collection is very dear to me, as they’re a visual representation of my admiration for our country. I believe each style is a signature piece because they are all designed with different cultural inspirations, making each one unique.
HBA: Can you share your thoughts on the role of fashion in expressing cultural identity, particularly during national celebrations?
DAK: I believe fashion, and the way we dress, speak louder than words. It is an unique form of expression as each culture has its own distinctive elements; setting it apart from each other. Fashion definitely plays a key role in expressing cultural identity as it is a special way to honor our roots.
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