Tima Abid opens Red Sea Fashion Week, ushering in a new era for Saudi Arabia’s fashion landscape

May 2024—the start of a new chapter for Saudi Arabia. With the glistening, azure waters of the Ummahat islands as its backdrop, the first ever Red Sea Fashion Week commences. A country teeming with significant heritage and traditions, this inaugural event marks a new era for Saudi Arabia’s fashion landscape. The scintillating presentation was held at the brand new St. Regis Red Sea resort, a significant piece of their highly anticipated Red Sea Project development plan. Unfurling over a period of three days, the event not only featured Tima Abid’s captivating opening show but also showcased how fashion serves as a vehicle for revolutionising Saudi Arabia’s fashion scene, particularly in its bold presentation of swimwear. Showcasing seven different female-owned brands from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Egypt, the event underscored the Red Sea Development’s vision for cultural enrichment in a breathtaking location.

The private resort‘s boardwalk turned into an overwater runway, plunging guests into a mesmerising sea view as the show began. Opening the three-day phenomenon was none other than Saudi Arabia’s renowned haute couture label, Tima Abid, named after Fatima AlThaqafi Abid, the founder and creative force behind the brand. Born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the creative visionary is known for melding Saudi Arabian heritage with avant-garde design. Since its inception, the brand has garnered acclaim on international stages, including Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week and Riyadh Fashion Week, where it showcases the beauty of Arab culture through its collections.

Showcasing a luxury eveningwear collection made exclusively for Red Sea Fashion Week, the couture designer shares that the designs were inspired from the “air, sand and sea”. Elements such as wispy feathers and dazzling jewels added a glamorous flair to the sheer and breezy silhouettes. Pearl-adorned necklines, fishnets and the use of satin fabrics were also incorporated, emulating the sea’s captivating allure. Displaying an ethereal palette comprising of white, silver and neutral hues, the lineup’s pieces were perfectly aligned with its breathtaking setting.

With more than 20 years of history under its belt, Tima Abid continuously strives to redefine boundaries while preserving the beauty of the Arab culture with their collections. The brand’s designs also pay homage to female empowerment, underscored by their designs that fuse elegant silhouettes with bold elements. As the creative force behind the brand shares, “I want each woman to not only feel comfortable in the spotlight, but to feel beautiful and powerful and confident.” Quintessential of tradition-meets-innovation, Tima Abid is a vanguard in the Gulf kingdom, proof of a promising future for Saudi Arabia’s world of couture.

Below, Tima Abid’s designer speaks to Vogue Singapore about her label’s journey, goals as well as her Red Sea Fashion Week experience.

What made you want to start your own fashion label?
I began my career in fashion 19 years ago, driven by a deep passion for design. Initially, I designed outfits for my friends and family purely for fun and out of love for fashion. It was their admiration for my designs that inspired me to pursue a professional path as a designer.

How was your debut Red Sea Fashion Week experience?
My fashion journey has been an amazing experience, marked by the thrill of showcasing my designs in Paris, Riyadh, Jeddah and along the Red Sea. The experience was nothing less than spectacular not only the captivating beauty of the Red Sea, but the magic of opening with my Red Sea-inspired haute couture collection. It felt very surreal. I will cherish this moment forever.

What was your design process like?
Although the work is challenging, that’s precisely why I enjoy it the most. I took inspiration from the air, sand and sea—distinct and unique elements that I incorporate into my designs. I want my clients to feel the power and beauty embodied by these natural forces.

How do you think women’s fashion in Saudi Arabia has changed over the years?
In my 19-year career, the last three to four years have been notably different for fashion designers. Significant government initiatives have brought us into the spotlight, providing opportunities to showcase our work globally and present our designs on international platforms. I believe this is the best time for any designer to achieve an internationally recognised name.

How have Tima Abid’s designs evolved over the years?
The brand continues evolving with me, as I keep trying to grow and break boundaries. The purpose has always been to inspire women and instil even more confidence in them by providing creative and flattering pieces that showcase each woman’s beauty.

What is the significance of incorporating your heritage into your designs?
My country, Saudi Arabia, is rich in culture and tradition, and it has been an incredible experience to blend this heritage with modern fashion. This fusion makes the designs more vibrant and upscale. For me, it is a chance to present the beauty of my country to the world.

Can you share more about your brand’s values?
Tima Abid is made by women for women. The value that it holds as a brand is to push and inspire each client. I want every woman to feel good in the skin she’s in, and to feel good being the centre of attention. A lot of the times, women shy away from the spotlight. I want each woman to not only feel comfortable in the spotlight, but also to feel beautiful, powerful and confident.

Where do you usually get your inspiration for your collections? 
I find inspiration in everything around me—whether its feelings of happiness or sadness, and at times, even from my dreams.

How does Tima Abid stand out from other couture brands?
Each haute couture brand is a representation of the designer’s imagination, and the skilled tailor’s craftsmanship. So, each brand is special in its own way. I believe that Tima Abid stands out because of me, the designer, and my incredibly talented team. My ideas, visions, and dreams are the inspiration. They’re the special factor, the difference is in our team’s special and unique artistry when it comes to constructing the pieces.

What are the messages that you hope to convey with your collections?
I aspire for my clients to perceive my emotions through my designs. I want anyone who views my creations to sense the strength of air, sand and sea. Also, to recognise femininity and to see the interplay of darkness and light, because these elements reflect who I am. Ultimately, I aim for my designs to resonate deeply with their hearts and evoke powerful emotions.

What are some of your favourite collections?
My favourite collection is yet to come.

What are some of your goals for Tima Abid?
The goals of my brand is to become a Saudi Fashion icon that is recognised internationally. I want Tima Abid to be in every woman’s closet, on every street, and present throughout every day and night.

What’s next for Tima Abid?
As someone who loves surprises, my upcoming collection will be a delightful surprise!