Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney headline Riyadh Fashion Week 2025, blending global fashion with Saudi heritage in a groundbreaking showcase.
Riyadh, get ready to sashay! The city’s biggest fashion week is about to turn up the heat with Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, two style legends are set to headline the event, promising jaw-dropping designs, cultural fusion, and sustainable glamour like never before.
Riyadh fashion week 2025: A fusion of punk, palm trees, and sustainable chic
Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 is not just another event on the fashion calendar; it’s a bold statement. From October 16 to 21, the Saudi capital transforms into a sartorial playground, featuring over 30 runway shows, designer presentations, and citywide activations. This year’s edition marks a significant milestone as it welcomes international fashion icons Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney to the Kingdom’s fashion stage for the first time.
The grand opening: Vivienne Westwood’s regional debut
The style revolution kicks off on October 16 with a show that’s pure, electric fusion: the Middle Eastern runway debut of Vivienne Westwood. But this isn’t just a transplant of a London catwalk. In a move that brilliantly honors local artistry, the house is collaborating with Art of Heritage by Princess Noura Al Faisal.Imagine: iconic British punk aesthetics, the rebellious cuts, the historical references, the sheer attitude—set against the serene backdrop of a Riyadh palm grove. The collection will feature specially created embroidered gowns, a direct result of mixing Westwood’s couture team’s expertise with the exquisite craftsmanship of local Saudi artisans. It’s a “global-local” philosophy brought to life, a powerful cultural exchange that doesn’t just showcase fashion, but actively fosters and empowers Saudi heritage and craftsmanship for a global audience. Get ready for a breathtaking blend of anarchy and elegance. Dame Vivienne Isabel Westwood (1941–2022) was not born into high society; she came from a working-class family in Tintwistle, Derbyshire, England. Her father worked as a storekeeper and her mother was a weaver. Westwood’s achievements are marked by a unique blend of anarchy, historical reference, and activism. She defined the look of punk, introducing anti-establishment imagery, bondage gear, safety pins, and provocative slogans to fashion. After punk was co-opted, Westwood turned to history for inspiration. Her first official runway collection, ‘Pirates’ (1981), launched the “New Romantic” movement. Subsequent collections revived historical cuts like the bustle and the mini-crini, cementing her reputation as an innovator who fused history with contemporary rebellion.
Stella McCartney: Closing the week with sustainable luxury
Bringing the spectacular week to a thoughtful and luxurious close on October 21 is the regional debut of Stella McCartney. As a pioneer of sustainable luxury, McCartney’s presence underscores Saudi Arabia’s bold step toward conscious creativity and an eco-friendly future in fashion.Her show will be a curated presentation of her recent and archival collections, a masterclass in fashion that proves you don’t need to sacrifice animals or the planet for show-stopping style. From her famous commitment to cruelty-free materials to her innovative use of recycled and responsible fabrics, McCartney’s finale is a powerful statement. Her debut cements Riyadh Fashion Week as a platform not only for style but for substance, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to building a modern fashion ecosystem rooted in ethical and future-facing values. Stella Nina McCartney CBE (born 1971) was born into a world of both celebrity and conscious living. She is the daughter of The Beatles’ legendary singer-songwriter Sir Paul McCartney and the late American photographer and devoted animal rights activist, Linda McCartney. McCartney’s career is defined by her unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable innovation.
A star-studded lineup of local and regional designers
While the international icons are drawing the global gaze, Riyadh Fashion Week remains fiercely dedicated to shining a brilliant light on the incredible talent thriving within the region. Over 30 runway shows and presentations will celebrate a diverse lineup that spans high couture, contemporary ready-to-wear, and street-smart menswear. Prepare to be wowed by established Saudi brands like the elegant couturiers Tima Abid and Atelier Hekayat, the sustainable chic of Abadia, the modern design of Hindamme, and the experimental streetwear of 1886. They’ll share the stage with regional power players such as Waad AlOqaili, Ashwaq AlMarshad, Leem, Arwa Albanawi, Razan AlAzzouni, Mona AlShebil, and Reem AlKanhal. This diverse and dynamic roster proves the Saudi fashion scene is a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and boundless creative energy.
A platform for cultural exchange and innovation
Organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission under the Ministry of Culture, Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 is about far more than just clothes. Running for six days across iconic city landmarks like Bedrock and JAX, it serves as a robust platform for cultural exchange, innovation, and global collaboration. It’s a strategic move that:
- Positions Saudi Arabia as a major, emerging fashion capital in the world.
- Creates a vital bridge between local designers, international buyers, media, and key investors.
- Highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving its cultural legacy while fearlessly embracing modernity and sustainability.
This year’s edition with its dual commitment to heritage through Westwood’s collaboration and a sustainable future through McCartney’s debut is a clear declaration. Riyadh Fashion Week 2025 is not just showcasing fashion for the moment; it’s designing the future of global style. Go to Source