Returning guests at Riyadh Fashion Week probably noticed just how much it had stepped up from last year’s inaugural edition— with better curated brands, more polished collections, fresh formats, and a buzzing international crowd that included buyers (from the likes of Harvey Nichols and Fabric of Society), top-tier press, and industry darlings like supermodel Elsa Hosk and Mustafa the Poet. Spearheaded by the Saudi Fashion Council, RFW made its official debut in 2023 with a staunch mission to boost Riyadh’s relevance in the industry, and cement the Saudi capital as a fashion force to be reckoned with not just in the region, but globally. And if the past five days are any indication, it’s well on its way, surpassing all expectations.
Running from Oct. 17 to 21 across three locations—Tuwaiq Palace, Digital City, and JAX District—the five-day event brought together 37 ready-to-wear, couture, and streetwear brands who showcased their most recent collections through a mix of runway shows, presentations, and an exclusive showroom. This season’s highly-anticipated shows came from designers in the Saudi 100 Brands initiative, a program launched by the Saudi Fashion Commission to nurture and support the next generation of Saudi fashion talent.
Unlike most international Fashion Weeks, which typically divide womenswear, menswear, and couture into separate events, Riyadh Fashion Week takes a more unified approach. It brings all categories together into a single five-day event, creating a comprehensive showcase within one annual fashion week as opposed to six. MILLE got the opportunity to attend the last three days of the event, and we made sure there was no show left unattended. Read through to discover our picks for most memorable collections during the second edition of Riyadh Fashion Week.
1886
The Saudi streetwear brand founded in a London dorm room by Fahad Al-Jomiah and Khalid Al-Jammaz (the name of the brand came from their dorm rooms: 18 and 86) is one of the trendiest homegrown labels. The brand, now under the creative direction of Nicolas Ottersten, a Central Saint Martins graduate who cut his teeth at Acne Studios, Kenzo, and Axel Arigato, closed out the event with a spectacular runway show that we could have easily pictured on the runways of Paris or Milan. Ottersten’s debut show for 1886 was like stepping into a rebellious fashion dystopia—think oversized silhouettes that make you feel both swallowed and powerful, blazers with exaggerated shoulders that almost seem to hover around the wearer, and layering that served as an artful exercise in excess.
Kaf by Kaf
From a distance, it seemed like just another stunning model gracing the runway, but as she approached, the crowd began to realize something extraordinary—this wasn’t a human at all. For the first time ever, a robot opened a runway show. Sarah, Saudi Arabia’s ultra-realistic humanoid who speaks the local dialect, responds to queries, and even performs popular dances, blurred the line between human and machine, setting the tone for Kaf by Kaf’s unforgettable showcase. Designer Kawther Alhoraish is known to consistently churn out boundary-pushing collections that provoke guests to reflect and contemplate, and her spring 2025 offering was no different. Her exploration of the conflict between the nature and the artificial manifested in the form of handcrafted sequined separates, mini dresses embellished with handmade beaded butterflies, and artful shirts and skirts—made in collaboration with photographer Abdulaziz Alshameri featuring camel and oasis prints that flipped between images as the viewer’s perspective moves.
Hindamme
Amid the sea of leather and draped dresses on Moe Khoja’s Hindamme runway, one look stole the spotlight. Saudi singer Mishaal Tamer and his cousin, model Taleedah Tamer, closed the show wearing matching t-shirts that read “Saudi Arabia is the future.” A collaboration with local filmmaker and artist Lina Malaika, the statement tees, layered over contrasting gloved turtlenecks and paired with sleek black trousers, instantly became the most Instagrammed moment of the show. The rest of the show also rang of the Kingdom’s rich past. This was most apparent in the graphic prints, featuring rock inscriptions reminiscent of those you would find etched in the cliffs of the ancient sites of AlUla and NEOM. Saudi heritage is a recurring theme in the designer’s work. Describing the label as “contemporary luxury inspired by East meets West,” Khoja was one of the first designers to integrate patterns such as Al Qatt Al Aseeri into contemporary ready-to-wear fashion.
KML
Who knew an exclusively black and white collection could be so captivating? KML’s Ahmed and Razan Hassan have proven themselves masters of sharp tailoring, unexpected silhouettes, and the delicate balance between understated and bold design. Models appeared barefoot—some topless—on the runway, dressed in sharp blazers, structured pants, impeccably cut shirts, and trousers and skirts pulled way above the waist. The collection was an exploration of fashion’s evolution, a study in restraint. No embellishments, no accessories, save for a leather corset and the occasional hint of beige breaking the monochromatic palette. The materials were humble—poplin, cotton, leather. But still, how can something so simple be so striking? This process of reduction, of focusing on precision, allows us to appreciate the details, the craftsmanship, and the skill behind every piece.
Noura Sulaiman
In 2021, I described Noura Sulaiman as a breakout Saudi designer to watch. Fast forward to today, and Sulaiman has more than lived up to that prediction. In the span of three years, she has solidified her place as one of the Kingdom’s most exciting and innovative designers, with her signature blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern elegance. Her collections have evolved, consistently pushing boundaries while staying true to her cultural roots. Her spring 2025 showcase once again proved why she’s not just a designer to watch anymore—she’s a leading force shaping the future of Saudi’s industry. Standout pieces include sequined party skirts that caught the light with every step, sleek leather trenchcoats, blazers and shirts embroidered with Arabic text, adding a personal, cultural touch to the otherwise minimalist silhouettes, and of course, beautifully-tailored abayas, each one embodying effortless elegance.
