Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup
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'We love to see brands pushing those boundaries and giving us a surprise every year,' Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak told Arab News.
Pushing boundaries in fashion is exactly what happened at the 2025 Saudi Cup, with designers and models celebrating the Kingdom's architecture and landmarks, such as a thobe-inspired suit decked in mirrors and a silk wrap-around to replicate AlUla's Maraya or a 3D headband that replicated the Kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage of Hegra.
When asked what themes or tributes the CEO had seen most often at this year's event, Cakmak said that there was a focus on regional references.
'I think there's always a regional reference, clearly the Saudi Cup is very much about Saudi culture and the country represents itself, especially designers based on where their origins are from, and heritage is from,' Cakmak said.
'So you will always see things that are very, very Najdi, very Hijazi, very Asisir, but at the same time are also thinking about, for example, sustainability using natural elements.
'And we've seen brands that are using dates, palm leaves, organic materials, to create looks for an exhibition.'
The CEO underlined that sustainability and creativity remain common and consistent themes at this year's Saudi Cup.
'There are a lot of inspirations that are coming from elements of craft and architecture and also the regional references, but at the same time all the way to things that are very much inspired by nature and then the sky and then the positioning of the country, that's basically giving new ideas around what design can look like,' he said.
For the fourth year, the Saudi 100 Brands has continued its partnership with the Saudi Cup, featuring a gallery of some of the top 100 Brands designers from bridal, couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry and bags.
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