The iconic British brand Vivienne Westwood is set to make its Middle East debut by opening Riyadh Fashion Week on October 16. The show will be held in a palm grove setting in Riyadh, aligning with the region’s symbolic connection to the palm tree.
A Collaborative Capsule of Embroidered Gowns
Westwood’s presentation will include a special embroidered capsule created in collaboration with Art of Heritage, a Saudi cultural institution dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship. These gowns, merging couture-level expertise with local artisanal skill, will be shown alongside key looks from the brand’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection and selected archival pieces.
The CEO of Vivienne Westwood, Carlo D’Amario, says the capsule is intended as “a concrete way to promote local traditions through an international lens.” He frames the initiative as more than aesthetics: “Fashion today must bridge cultures. The ‘global-local’ concept is central to us.”
Education, Mentorship & Cultural Exchange
In addition to the runway show, Vivienne Westwood has invited about 100 students from regional fashion schools to attend. A mentoring session will be held before the show, giving emerging talent a chance to learn and engage with the brand’s creative team.
This year marks a turning point: Riyadh Fashion Week—now in its third edition—is opening its official program to international labels for the first time. Vivienne Westwood’s participation makes a bold statement about the region’s evolving role in the global fashion map.
