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Vogue Arabia
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Editor's Letter: Celebrating Saudi Women, Creativity, and Cultural Evolution
Welcome to our annual Saudi issue, a themed edition of Vogue Arabia that pays homage to the Kingdom. If you might recall, our inaugural issue was published in June 2018, the month that women were allowed to start driving. Our cover – featuring HRH Princess Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud behind the wheel of a red convertible in the desert of Jeddah – was talked about globally, and it is still a favourite of mine. But so many things have changed since then… Saudi Arabia has done an incredible job in establishing its creative industries, and supporting art and fashion. While doing so, new policies and changes in mentalities have finally placed women at the centre of this cultural zeitgeist. I recently heard an impressive intervention by HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, that I believe sums it up perfectly: 'The women of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we're not tokens. We're not boxes to tick. We're women who are dedicated to the development, not just of our country, but of our families, and our neighbourhoods. And if we thrive, ladies and gentlemen, I promise you the women of the world thrive, because we all deserve the path forward.' With a country bursting with talent – and spectacular landscapes – putting together this issue was an exciting creative challenge. We started at the Red Sea, against the scenic beauty of the Desert Rock Resort, where we profiled three young Saudi models taking Arab beauty to international runways. In Taif, we met Nora Alharthi, the female entrepreneur breaking glass ceilings and establishing her business in the male-dominated world of the rose industry. In Riyadh, we caught up with fashion designer Ahmed Hassan, cofounder of KML, one of the semi-finalists for the world-renowned LVMH Prize. And, we stopped by London to photograph the latest pre-fall trends on DJ Nooriyah, whose accolades include a historical performance at Glastonbury. Although I still remember visiting Saudi years back when the country didn't offer tourist visas, things now have changed drastically, with the Kingdom eager to welcome guests and proudly display its legacy and history. Personally, I was always greeted with a smile, as Saudis are known for their generous hospitality. Surely, this was the same level of welcome experienced by Georgina Rodríguez and Cristiano Ronaldo, the country's news-making residents. For our cover story, we joined Rodríguez as she got ready for her first-ever Met Gala in New York City, and invited football's biggest icon to conduct the intimate interview. Between coffee and hairspray, they discuss family life and the pros and cons of being in the spotlight, and look back at two eventful years of living in the Kingdom. I hope you enjoy reading.
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Princess Reema chooses Honayda design for Trump's departure from Riyadh
DUBAI: As US President Donald Trump concluded his visit to Saudi Arabia and departed for Qatar, Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, again wore a creation by Saudi designer Honayda Serafi. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ For the occasion, Princess Reema chose a light pink ensemble consisting of a long, flowing dress paired with a structured overcoat. The overcoat featured a soft floral pattern, with delicate embroidery scattered across its surface. The look was completed with a matching light pink headscarf. The outfit followed her look from the day before, when she wore a bespoke royal blue abaya by Serafi during Trump's official welcome in Riyadh. #فيديو | فخامة رئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية يغادر المملكة، وسمو #ولي_العهد في مقدمة مودعيه.#الرئيس_الأمريكي_في_المملكة | #TrumpInKSA#٩٢_عامًا_من_الشراكة_والازدهار #واس — واس الأخبار الملكية (@spagov) May 14, 2025 The floor-length abaya featured detailed gold embroidery. The symmetrical patterns extended across the bodice and sleeves, while smaller gold motifs were scattered throughout the lower part of the garment. The look was completed with a matching blue headscarf. Honayda Serafi, founder of Honayda, posted a statement about Princess Reema's appearance on Instagram, saying: 'I am so pleased and deeply proud to see HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar, our remarkable Saudi Ambassador to the United States, standing as a symbol of strength, progress and leadership, as one of the first women to break barriers and champion women's empowerment. 'It is a special moment to see her shine as she welcomes President Trump on his historic visit to Riyadh, wearing a bespoke piece by Honayda for this significant occasion. I look forward to sharing more about the inspiration behind this design,' she added. Serafi is known for dressing prominent figures in the Middle East and the rest of the world. Celebrities who have worn her designs include Priyanka Chopra, Lupita Nyong'o and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein of Jordan. She is a favorite of Saudi-born Princess Rajwa and dressed the royal for her henna night festivities in 2023 and for Jordanian King Abdullah II's silver jubilee celebrations in Amman in 2024. After leaving Riyadh, Trump is visiting Doha, Qatar, for meetings with Qatari leadership. After this stop, he is scheduled to travel to the UAE, where discussions will continue on economic cooperation, defense partnerships and regional security.
Vogue Arabia
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
Princess Reema Wears Custom Honayda Gown for Trump's Historic Visit to Saudi Arabia
As U.S. President Donald Trump touched down in Riyadh to kick off his Middle East tour, all eyes were not only on diplomacy but also on style — notably, the powerful sartorial statement made by Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United States, Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud. Marking the high-profile occasion, Princess Reema was seen wearing a bespoke royal blue gown created by celebrated Saudi designer Honayda Saleh Serafi, founder and creative director of the label Honayda. The floor-length gown, adorned with intricate Arabic and Islamic embroidery, stood out as a sophisticated blend of heritage and modern elegance. In an exclusive interview with Vogue Arabia, Honayda expressed her pride in crafting the piece: "Creating this bespoke piece for Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar for this historic moment in Riyadh, as she welcomes President Trump, is a true honour for me. She represents the strength, progress, and boundless potential of Saudi women — a leader breaking barriers and inspiring change." The choice of royal blue was intentional, Serafi noted, symbolizing 'her power and wisdom,' while the detailed motifs woven into the fabric pay homage to Saudi Arabia's deep-rooted cultural and artistic legacy. 'It's a deeply meaningful moment for me to see her shine,' Serafi added, 'embodying the spirit of empowerment that my designs stand for.' Princess Reema, known for her trailblazing role as the Kingdom's first female ambassador and her work advocating for women's empowerment, often uses fashion as a means of quiet diplomacy — reflecting national pride and social progress through carefully curated style. This moment not only underscores the significance of Trump's visit but also highlights the evolving role of Saudi women on the global stage — where tradition, identity, and leadership meet in striking form.
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Princess Reema bint Bandar wears Honayda design to welcome President Trump to Saudi Arabia
DUBAI: Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US, wore a bespoke creation by Saudi designer Honayda Serafi during President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh. The ensemble consisted of a royal blue floor-length abaya with detailed gold embroidery. The symmetrical patterns extended across the bodice and sleeves, while smaller gold motifs were scattered throughout the lower part of the garment. The dignitary's look was completed with a matching blue headscarf. A post shared by HONAYDA (@honaydaofficial) Honayda Serafi, founder of Honayda, shared a statement on Princess Reema's appearance on Instagram, saying: 'I am so pleased and deeply proud to see HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar, our remarkable Saudi Ambassador to the United States, standing as a symbol of strength, progress and leadership, as one of the first women to break barriers and champion women's empowerment. 'It is a special moment to see her shine as she welcomes President Trump on his historic visit to Riyadh, wearing a bespoke piece by Honayda for this significant occasion. I look forward to sharing more about the inspiration behind this design,' she added. A post shared by Reema B Al-Saud (@rbsalsaud) Serafi is known for dressing prominent figures across the Middle East and the rest of the world. Celebrities who have worn her designs include Priyanka Chopra, Lupita Nyong'o and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein of Jordan. She is a favorite of Saudi-born Princess Rajwa and dressed the royal for her henna night festivities in in 2023 and for Jordanian King Abdullah II's silver jubilee celebrations in Amman in 2024. The ensemble consisted of a royal blue floor-length abaya with detailed gold embroidery. (Instagram) Meanwhile, Princess Reema's participation in Trump's visit highlighted the long-standing partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US. Writing in The Washington Times this week, she described the visit as 'a moment pivotal for global peace, security and prosperity. 'Today, as the world navigates new challenges and conflicts, that partnership is more critical than ever,' she said. Princess Reema, who presented her credentials to Trump in 2019 when assuming her role as ambassador, said the two nations' alliance was 'not just history; it is a reimagined future.'
Al Arabiya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi-US partnership ‘more critical than ever': Saudi envoy to US
The partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US is now more critical than ever, Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar said as President Donald Trump arrived in the Kingdom on Tuesday. The alliance between the US and the Kingdom spans over decades and 'has been a cornerstone for global stability and prosperity,' Princess Reema said in a piece published at the Washington Times. 'Today, as the world navigates new challenges and conflicts, that partnership is more critical than ever.' For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. 'The Saudi Arabia that Mr. Trump will visit is investing billions of dollars in fostering new economic sectors such as tourism, artificial intelligence, clean energy, culture and sports. It is a dynamic society where youths are pioneering the future and women are at the forefront of the Vision,' Princess Reema said, referring to the Vision 2030 that was launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016. The Saudi envoy said that when Trump first visited the Kingdom in 2017, Saudi Arabia was undergoing major transformation spearheaded by MBS' Vision 2030. 'Nearly eight years later, Mr. Trump will step off Air Force One to find the Vision becoming a reality,' Princess Reem wrote. Trump arrived early on Tuesday in Riyadh and was welcomed by MBS. With his visit to the Kingdom, Trump kicks off a Gulf tour that would also take him to Qatar and the UAE. 'Today, amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, leadership and alliances are more vital than ever. From counterterrorism efforts to peacekeeping initiatives, Saudi Arabia's leadership has been instrumental in leveraging the country's strategic position and resources for regional and global security,' Princess Reem said. 'Almost every major global challenge is being addressed with urgency through collaboration and a strong Saudi-US alliance…Together, we are mediators, allies and stewards leveraging our strengths to foster peace and security.' 'That is what makes Mr. Trump's visit so timely. His agenda of trade, investment, energy security and counterterrorism is in sync with our goals.'
