Inside Vogue Arabia's June 2023 Saudi Issue Celebrating Lavender, the Kingdom's New Colorway

Photo: Domen & Van De Velde

Mysterious, fantastical, luxurious, royal. As the color purple spreads across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Vogue Arabia marks the passage in high fashion. Celebrating Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty and the values of renewal and hospitality connected to the use of lavender, Vogue Arabia asks 10 Saudi brands to create 10 dresses worn by 10 supermodels from the Kingdom and beyond. Featured are Amira Zuhair, Candice Swanepoel, Coco Rocha, Taleedah Tamer, Isabeli Fontana, Sara Sampaio, Shasha Luss, Toni Garrn, Sophie Alshehry, and Donna Bahdon in Saudi designs by Honayda, Youssef Akbar, Raghad Alblaihed, Atelier Hekayat, April by Noura, Aram by Arwa Almmari, Mashael Alfaris, and Kaf by Kaf, Loodyana, and Lurline. “I have traveled extensively in Saudi, I was unaware that lavender can grow in the desert, with the image of camels roaming through a sea of lavender triggering my imagination,” notes Vogue Arabia editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut of the special project. “The decision to add to our casting international models was not a hazard. At Vogue Arabia we truly believe in the internationalization of Saudi fashion, and recognize the opportunity to dress iconic supermodels in blossoming Saudi talent.”

HRH Princess Nourah Alfaisal. Photo: Abeer Ahmed

The new CEO of the cultural organization Art of Heritage, HRH Princess Nourah Alfaisal shares with Vogue Arabia her dynamic plans. A curated Art of Heritage exhibition hosted by Vogue Arabia’s editor-in-chief was on view last month in Riyadh, along with high jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels. “There is a group of women that has spent over 30 years creating this collection. They’ve dedicated their time and their efforts to creating an asset that’s a gift of identity to the future generation,” comments Princess Alfaisal. “The goal is for this to be an asset that is available and that is there for anyone, whether it’s someone local or international, who wants to understand the DNA of Saudi Arabia.”

Fawzia Alnafea. Photo: Sarah Almoqbil

Saudi designer Fawzia Alnafea is featured for her pioneering fashion. She transformed her husband’s garage into a compact workshop where she painted her designs. “Despite encountering numerous difficulties and challenges, I drew strength from my unwavering determination and faith, alongside the invaluable support of my husband,” she says. “We faced the fear of potential family backlash and rejection due to my chosen path. Although there were pressures urging him to distance himself from my endeavors, he chose to honor and respect my passion and love for what I do.”

Photo: Chakir Hani

The Kingdom’s artisanal fashion thrives in a vivid photoshoot and interviews with local designer Raneem Shaban in Jeddah. The marketplace ensures the life of customs and artisanal skills; it represents a resilient way to craft that withstands the test of time, constantly revitalizing itself amid the bustling market. Photographer Chakir Hani shot the latest international brand accessories from the season and shared, “I noticed that the people here still hold onto their authenticity and traditions, cherishing their history in every aspect except for fashion. It seemed as if they had forsaken their past to conform to global trends.” Shaban crafts on the premise that, “Anything old can be repurposed and infused with a new identity.”

Dina Shihabi. Photo: Olga Nazarova

This month, ambitious creatives across the Kingdom stand as proof of a flourishing artistic scene spanning generations across art, film, music, fashion, and beauty who proclaim that more than ever, it feels like “Saudi Arabia is becoming the center of the world.” Saudi-born actress Dina Shihabi is living the quintessential Hollywood dream—walking glamorous red and lavender carpets to a critic’s choice award nomination and multiple film and TV show deals, she is on the rise. A new mother, Shihabi is the first to admit that motherhood has “been very revealing and ultimately the most expansive, grounding, soulful experience of my life thus far.”