6 Things To Know About This Saudi Designer Who Is One To Watch For International Fashion
Arwa Al Banawi is a name you may have already heard of.
This fabulous Saudi designer, raised between Switzerland & Jeddah has made the Kingdom proud with her seemingly endless achievements in fashion. Coming from a long lineage of ‘glamour-influence’ from her family members, she was born into her passion for fashion.
Arwa’s line of clothing that has successfully taken off in the region and there’s no stopping her from being an international name- pretty soon.
Get to know the designer of ‘The Suitable Woman’ and ‘Beduwins’ collections that have taken the European and Middle-Eastern fashion world by storm.
1. Arwa’s pride over her Saudi heritage is eminent in her designs
While Vogue referred to her collections as a ‘global feeling’, we’d say the local Saudi elements she uses exude her pride for the Kingdom. During the Riyadh fashion week, Al Banawi’s designs stunned the audience as she used fabrics often used in Saudi clothing/culture while infusing with Western elements of luxury.
2. She was born and raised in Jeddah
…but she also grew up in Switzerland and is now based in Dubai.
3. She has been featured on Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and more!
After being featured on Vogue, she posted a capture of it and extended the dedication for her new collection…
“A COLLECTION THAT IS DEDICATED AND INSPIRED BY THE CULTURE AND HERITAGE OF THE KINGDOM AND THE GULF REGION #BEDUWINS THE SAUDI YOUTH; THE REAL SAUDI ARABIA ???????? THE RICH HISTORY AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY THAT NOT ALOT OF PEOPLE KNOW WELL ENOUGH AND I WANTED TO SHOW IT ON THE CATWALK ! #REBIRTH ITS A NEW ERA , GOD BLESS OUR KING SALMAN AND THE CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN .MBS .FOR THIS AMAZING CHANGE IN SAUDI ARABIA . I HAVE BEEN ALWAYS PRAISING SAUDI WOMEN AND DEDICATING MY MESSAGE IN DESIGN TOWARDS FEMALE EMPOWERMENT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE BRAND JOURNEY 3 YEARS AGO AND NOW IT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING! SAUDI WOMEN ! IT IS OUR YEAR WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY AND WE ARE MAKING HISTORY “ THANK YOU MY COUNTRY THANK YOU TO ALL THE WOMEN WHO NEVER GAVE UP I STAND WITH YOU AND I AM HERE FOR YOU ! “ IT IS HAPPENING! #VOGUE#SAUDIARABIA ???????????????? GOD BLESS OUR KINGDOM AND THE WOMEN AND THIS REGION /: THE REAL BEAUTIFUL CULTURED SAUDI WOMAN ! THIS IS HER #THESUITABLEWOMAN AW18 “
4. She was in banking then decided to quit to pursue her passion in designing
She started her career in banking in early 2012 whilst taking short courses in Dubai’s London College of Fashion. She then quit her job to pursue and finally launch her ready-to-wear collection of shirts and suits in 2015.
5. She took part in the historic first ever fashion week in Riyadh
The fact that her designs were the only ones that had stylish suit pants, compared to the dresses just shows how edgy-chic Al Banawi’s style is.
“…because I don’t like restricting women in my clothing”
Arwa Al Banawi (via Telegraph)
6. Her edgy and luxe suit designs is what she’s best known for
Okay okay, we won’t limit the accolades to just that but Arwa’s name really took off after she launched her collection of suits called ‘The Suitable Collection’.
And why not?
The line was even applauded by several fashion sites as the epitome of ‘power tailoring’, when referring to her fabulous work/casual-wear suits.
Keep inspiring, Arwa!
It’s women like Arwa who help contribute to the Khaleeji community’s continuous and fruitful growth. We are so proud of you.
