Fashion Industry in Saudi Arabia Shows Off Local Heritage

A creation by Saudi fashion designer Hanan Al-Turki.
A creation by Saudi fashion designer Hanan Al-Turki.
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Fashion Industry in Saudi Arabia Shows Off Local Heritage

A creation by Saudi fashion designer Hanan Al-Turki.
A creation by Saudi fashion designer Hanan Al-Turki.

The Kingdom of Kindah, the city of Thaj, Tantora, and the Hejazi "Rawashin"… all these Saudi Arabian historic treasures are now woven on garments, and widely used in the fashion industry to recall stories from the past, and express the pride of Saudi women in their precious heritage.

“It’s not as easy as it seems,” says Saudi fashion designer Hanan Al-Turki, who uses her drawing talent to weave those landmarks and antiquities on female garments, mostly Abayas. Having a father with a wide interest and knowledge in archeology, Al-Turki obtains the information and historic facts she needs from his archive, which enhances her inspiration based on ancient civilizations in Saudi Arabia.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the designer explains that many request her Abayas inspired by Saudi history, noting that her debut in the fashion industry goes back to 2006, when she coincidentally embroidered one of her drawings on an Abaya. The piece was displayed at the time and many loved the idea of it, which encouraged her to move forward in this industry.

"In light of our country’s significant interest in antiquities, I have increasingly focused on drawings inspired by our old heritage and historic landmarks," she said.

The Tantora Abaya, featuring "Qasr al-Farid" or "The Lonely Castle" from the Nabatean Tombs in AlUla region (western Saudi Arabia), is one of Al-Turki's best known designs. The history of Al Diriyah is also featured on one of her Abayas. The designer notes that she had to read many books on this city, its old buildings and the materials used in their construction, engravings, wooden windows, and iron pillars to draw the most beautiful details reflecting its history.

The "Rawashin" and "Mashrabiyas," a prominent Hejazi architecture feature, are among the most requested drawings, says Al-Turki. The designer has managed to seamlessly integrate Mashrabiyas' historic beauty and significance in her designs.

The Abaya inspired by the Kingdom of Kindah highlights the uniqueness of construction, jewelry, and pottery of that era. "It was like a dream. To design this Abaya, I had to watch a video so I can reimagine the picture in my head and assemble the unique details," she noted.

Al-Turki's rich collection includes designs that explore the history of Ḥaʼil, engravings from Al Ahsa region, and the Rashrash necklace (large gold necklace widely known in Saudi Arabia). The designer explained that she used a 3D design technique to integrate special engravings inspired by Najd region, and the Eastern Province as well.

There is also the Saudi Ardah Abaya (Ardah is a Saudi folkloric dance), described by Al-Turki as "bold," because of its vivid colors, and the Asiri Qatt Abaya inspired by the popular murals in Asir region. "I like the idea of delivering an artistic and cultural message in each design. Every piece I make comes with a little note that explains the details of the abaya," the designer said.

These efforts come from a growing enthusiasm among Saudi women to renew the concept of Abayas, and an eagerness to reflect their identity and the authenticity of their country's history in their garments. This trend encouraged many fashion designers to explore new areas that combine modern appearance with heritage, and to use fashion in promoting the value of the Saudi Arabian heritage.



Uniqlo Owner Seen Posting 24% Annual Profit Surge on Brand’s Overseas Push

Fast Retailing's Uniqlo sign boards are displayed at a casual clothing store in Tokyo, Japan January 11, 2023. (Reuters)
Fast Retailing's Uniqlo sign boards are displayed at a casual clothing store in Tokyo, Japan January 11, 2023. (Reuters)
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Uniqlo Owner Seen Posting 24% Annual Profit Surge on Brand’s Overseas Push

Fast Retailing's Uniqlo sign boards are displayed at a casual clothing store in Tokyo, Japan January 11, 2023. (Reuters)
Fast Retailing's Uniqlo sign boards are displayed at a casual clothing store in Tokyo, Japan January 11, 2023. (Reuters)

The Japanese owner of casual wear giant Uniqlo is projected to beat its own forecast in what would be a third straight year of record profits as its brand makes inroads in western markets and its business in China recovers.

Fast Retailing's operating profit in the 12 months through August likely rose 24% from a year earlier to 478.3 billion yen, based on the average of 15 analyst estimates compiled by LSEG ahead of the company's earnings on Thursday.

That's marginally higher than the company's 475 billion yen forecast, which it lifted in July citing a strong performance in the second half.

Fast Retailing's shares have been on a tear, reaching a record high this week. Key factors going forward will be sales of fall and winter items in Japan and whether the company can reinvigorate its business in China, according to independent analyst Mark Chadwick.

"Investor attention will turn to whether Fast Retailing's measures in Greater China successfully reverse the earnings decline caused by weak consumer sentiment and increased competition," Chadwick wrote on the Smartkarma platform.

With more than 900 stores in China, Fast Retailing has long been seen as a bellwether for the retail sector in the world's second-biggest economy. COVID restrictions weighed on results there for years, but now the challenge is a sluggish economy that has weighed on consumer confidence.

Greater China CEO Pan Ning acknowledged in July that the market is maturing, with the company scaling back store openings and adopting a scrap and build strategy for underperforming locations.

When COVID lockdowns depressed sales in China, the company focused more on expansions in North America and Europe. Both sectors delivered strong sales and profits through the first nine months of fiscal 2024.

Company founder Tadashi Yanai aims to make Fast Retailing the world's biggest fashion retailer, with the operators of Zara and H&M standing in the way. He believes consumers are more focused on value than luxury in a post-COVID world, a trend that works in Uniqlo's favor.

Yanai, Japan's richest man, is scheduled to speak at the company's earnings briefing on Thursday, as well as Uniqlo president Daisuke Tsukagoshi, whom Yanai has spoken of as a possible successor.

Fast Retailing's shares have climbed 43% so far in 2024, outperforming a 16% advance in the benchmark Nikkei index.