Saudi Founding Day: How Saudi Talents Are Championing Their Heritage
In honour of Saudi Founding Day, Bazaar Arabia looks at a special project, for which prominent KSA creatives joined forces to highlight the Kingdom’s heritage.
There is no doubt that Saudi Founding Day is an occasion unlike any other, an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of the Kingdom and showcase the unique civilisation of each region of the Kingdom.
On this distinguished historical day, inaugurated to celebrate the establishment of the first Saudi state in Diriyah, creators across the Kingdom have come together to shine a spotlight on their heritage. Here we introduce you to the team who photographed regional influencer, Nojoud Al-Rumaihi, wearing the best of Riyadh-based fashion designer, Arwa Al-Ammari.
A team of six came together to produce this special editorial, the idea for which came about during a conversation between Nujood herself and Arwa . Acclaimed Saudi fashion photographer, Raad Jamil, along with his photography assistant, Saleh Al-Fawzan, were enlisted to execute the project. Also recruited were makeup artist, Malak, and hairstylist Reema Al-Saad.
In the images, Nujoud Al-Rumaihi wears 3 designs, each of which is inspired by a different part of the Kingdom’s heritage. Here Bazaar Arabia shares the looks below.
Arwa Al-Ammari says,“This design was inspired by the men’s dagla, especially the shape of the collar and the sleeves. As for the inner layer, which bears inscriptions, it was inspired by the costumes of the first Saudi state that I saw while looking at historical drawings from that period. The harness or belt, which is an accessory worn by men as part of their soldier’s dress, has become a component of Saudi folk dress, especially worn during parades. Here it was created in burgundy, a modern and feminine colour and was added as an accessory to the outfit.”
In this look, Nujoud Al-Rumaihi dazzles in an elegant black creation with gold detailing. The designer mentions, “The outer piece was inspired by the traditional clothes worn by some princes and the National Guard. They are made of velvet fabric with gold embroidery, and are short, reaching below the waist area.”
As for the third look, Nujood was photographed in a loose dress with a gilded janbiya, a bold and statement look. Arwa mentions,“This design is inspired by Al-Sayah and Al-Murudin, and it is the garment that was adopted in the first and second Saudi state and the beginning of the third Saudi state, then it became part of the Saudi heritage dress. The Janbiya is a decorative gilded dagger that is worn around the waist.”
Read Also: What is Saudi Founding Day? Everything You Need To Know About The New National Holiday
Photography: Raad Jamil. Photography Assistant: Saleh Al-Fawzan. Talent: Nujoud Al-Rumaihi. Fashion: Arwa Al-Amari of ArAm Design. Make-up: Malak. Hair: Reema Al-Saad