Vivienne Westwood’s Middle Eastern Debut at Riyadh Fashion Week
A landmark moment for both fashion and culture, the British fashion house joins forces with the Art of Heritage institution for Riyadh Fashion Week
Vivienne Westwood’s long-awaited Middle Eastern runway debut will unfold beneath the palms of Riyadh’s iconic Palm Grove on October 16 — a landmark that stands as a national emblem of life, resilience, and prosperity. It is a setting that feels both symbolic and poetic, honouring Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted connection to the land and its people, while setting the stage for a new era of cultural exchange.
At the heart of this historic moment lies a remarkable collaboration between the Vivienne Westwood couture team and Saudi artisans from the Art of Heritage programme. Together, they will unveil a capsule collection of exquisitely embroidered gowns — a masterclass in cultural appreciation that not only preserves but reimagines Saudi craftsmanship for a global audience.
These exclusive designs will appear alongside Vivienne Westwood’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection and a curated selection of archival pieces. “This is a concrete way to promote local traditions through an international perspective,” shared Carlo D’Amario, CEO of Vivienne Westwood. “Today, fashion must go beyond aesthetics — it must be a connection between cultures.”
He added, “Our main interlocutors are young people between 18 and 28 years old, who drive change. Education and inclusivity are key — and as part of our show, we’ve invited around 100 students from local fashion schools to attend, with a mentoring session to be held prior to the presentation.”
His words capture the spirit of the occasion — one that champions dialogue, creativity, and opportunity for the next generation.
Echoing this sentiment, HRH Princess Nourah bint Mohammed Al Faisal, CEO of Art of Heritage, noted: “At Art of Heritage, I have always believed that heritage is not a relic of the past, but a living force that shapes how we see ourselves and how we imagine the future. Collaborating with the house of Vivienne Westwood on this collection is especially meaningful, as it shows how Saudi craftsmanship can speak to the world with authenticity and creativity.”
The partnership stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to culture, education, and the preservation of heritage. And as Riyadh Fashion Week celebrates only its third edition, it is already carving its place on the global fashion calendar — now, more than ever, a destination to watch.
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