New York Fashion week got off to a snowy start on Thursday with celebrities and the design world’s elite braving a massive storm to watch models strut street-wear and gowns at some of the most important runway shows.
Luxury brand Nicholas K opened the Fall/Winter 2017 shows with a homage to 1990s hip hop. Dozens of models paraded down the catwalk wearing vibrantly colored over-sized pants and big hooped earrings with metallic make up.
Christopher Kunz, who comprises half of the sibling duo behind the street-wear label, said he was surprised to see so many guests show up for his show during the storm, which dumped roughly 14 inches (36 cm) on the city, turning Manhattan into a slippery mess.
His sister, Nicholas Kunz, said they chose a hip hop theme because they felt the 1990s represented communal activism and ethnic diversity, issues that are increasingly relevant after the recent election of US President Donald Trump.
“I think there was some strong messages in the 90’s hip hop era. It was all about communal activism, ethnic diversity, equality,” Kunz said. “We’ve always been about diversity and environmental things. It’s really disheartening to see things going backwards in those two areas for us.”
Several celebrities, including fashion maven Anna Wintour, donned pink pins for the first day of Fashion Week to show their support for Planned Parenthood, which has come under attack from anti-abortion advocates.
Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji, known for his red carpet gowns, said his season’s clothing line was all about inspiring a “love revolution.”
“Any size, any woman, any country. That’s what this show is about,” Shoji told Reuters moments before women wearing tea-length chiffon dresses with long bell sleeves and sheer necklines wowed the crowd.
Shoji, who designed Oscar-nominated Octavia Spencer’s gown at the SAG Awards, also featured many lace dresses in his line.
Meanwhile, in Venice Beach, California, Tommy Hilfiger surprised fashionistas with a Spring 2017 ready-to-wear collection featuring model Gigi Hadid and a performance by Fergie.
The show must go on: New York Fashion Week braves massive storm
The show must go on: New York Fashion Week braves massive storm
Syrian Rami Al-Ali makes Paris haute couture history with debut collection
DUBAI: Syrian designer Rami Al-Ali made history this week as the first couturier from his country to take part in the official Paris calendar, choking back tears at the end of his show of exquisitely tailored pieces.
Working within a palette of soft neutrals, icy pastels and muted metallics, the designer explored volume, texture and structure with a distinct architectural approach.
There were structured silhouettes featuring sharp tailoring and asymmetric cuts, softened by draped elements or delicate embellishments.
Floor-grazing gowns crafted from layers of organza and chiffon created a sense of fluidity, with subtle transparency lending an ethereal quality. Hand embroidery, pleated tulle and intricate smocking added depth and visual interest across the collection.
Several looks featured woven or lattice-like details, both in full panels and as accents, emphasizing artisanal technique.
Other standout designs played with sculptural forms; one gown unfurled into fan-like pleats, while another used cascading layers.
Al-Ali’s inclusion in the Paris calendar marks a major milestone, signaling his entry into fashion’s most elite circle. To qualify for the official haute couture, or “high fashion,” designation, fashion houses meet rigorous standards, and the title is legally protected under French law.
It is a “historical milestone, celebrating a lifelong devotion to craftsmanship, culture, and creative expression, rooted in heritage and elevated by vision,” the fashion house posted on Instagram when it was first announced that Al-Ali would join the calendar.
Originally from Damascus, Al-Ali honed his fashion skills in Dubai and Beirut before founding his label, Rami Al-Ali Couture, in 2001.
His creations have been worn by a variety of celebrities, including Amal Clooney, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Chastain.
Al-Ali’s work has been praised for seamlessly blending his Middle Eastern heritage with Western sensibilities. He is known for designing flowing silhouettes adorned with intricate, playful embellishments — creations that are both timeless and runway-worthy.
Al-Ali was one of a handful of Arab designers on the official haute couture calendar. The lineup also included Lebanese designers Georges Hobeika, Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad, as well as Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.
Elie Saab blends 19th-century romance with red carpet precision in fall couture
PARIS: Elie Saab, the Lebanese designer long favored on the red carpet, returned to familiar territory on Wednesday, with fall haute couture — and did so unapologetically.
In Paris, fashion insiders gathered among marble columns as models descended a gilded stone staircase to the strains of harpsichord music, setting the tone for a collection steeped in historical romance.
Saab leaned into his signature codes: sumptuous velvets, gowns gathered at the back, and pearl and jewel-adorned chokers. Floral appliques — another hallmark — blossomed, anchoring the collection in the femininity that has defined the house for decades.
This was a particularly thoughtful collection, evoking romantic silhouettes from the turn of the 19th century in Europe. The soft draping and historical references gave the show a sense of emotional depth beyond its surface opulence.
Macaron hues — nude, rose pink, water blue, and mint — punctuated by imperial black and gold, set off bold blooms across brocade and print, infusing the collection with romantic vibrancy. Among the standout pieces were gowns with cascading trains and bejeweled details, encasing the body in a kind of luxurious cage.
Saab said the collection — dubbed “The New Court” — was “a sumptuous playground for the modern queen — one who plays by her own rules.”
Though luxury and opulence may be Saab’s well-trodden path, he showed that consistency remains its own form of artistry.
Saab’s couture is less about surprise and more about control — control of silhouette, embellishment, and fantasy.
If the show felt familiar at times, it was also undeniably polished — a standout collection that reminded audiences why Saab’s world of embellished escapism continues to resonate.
It’s a formula that keeps Hollywood coming back. Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Charlize Theron, Emmanuelle Béart, Sophie Marceau, Beyoncé, Maggie Cheung and Diane Kruger have all stepped onto the world’s biggest stages in Saab’s gowns — a testament to a house where fantasy and glamour are always in season.
Fashion Commission launches guide to protect designers’ rights in Saudi Arabia
- Guide serves as a reference for designers to benefit from intellectual property laws by protecting and registering their innovative designs
- Promotes a culture of creativity, encouraging designers to develop new creations while safeguarding their rights against imitation or theft
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission has launched the Intellectual Property and Designers’ Rights Protection Guide for the fashion industry, in collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.
The initiative reinforces the commission’s role in empowering the fashion sector, supporting its community and fostering a developmental environment across all stages of the product value chain.
The guide serves as a reference for designers to benefit from intellectual property laws by protecting and registering their innovative designs, enabling them to secure legal protection, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also promotes a culture of creativity, encouraging designers to develop new creations while safeguarding their rights against imitation or theft.
The guide covers four key areas in the fashion industry: Patents, which include new inventions and technological advancements in fabric and garment production; and industrial designs, which pertain to aesthetic elements and decorative patterns that give fashion items their distinctive appearance.
It also covers copyright, which protects artistic and creative outputs such as illustrations, patterns and designs; and trademarks, which include logos and symbols that distinguish a product in the marketplace.
The Fashion Commission said that designers and brand owners can access the guide through its official website.
Additionally, the IP authority receives complaints about violations of copyright and trademark laws from rights holders or their representatives through its website.
Ashi Studio unveils sculptural silhouettes in Paris
DUBAI: Ashi Studio, founded by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, presented its Fall/Winter 2026 haute couture collection during Paris Haute Couture Week, featuring a series of architectural gowns and tailored creations.
The collection focused on structured silhouettes and exaggerated proportions, with many looks emphasizing sharp tailoring, corsetry and sculpted waistlines.
Several pieces featured dark satin corsets with lace trim, dramatic fishtails, high slits and cascading fringe panels. Throughout the collection, waists was cinched and hips were accentuated.
A palette of black, ivory and champagne was punctuated by shimmering metallics and embroidery. Satin, tulle, lace and jacquard were prominent, with select garments incorporating feathers, beaded applique and textured embellishments.
Several looks integrated embroidery that resembled botanical and animal motifs, while others featured sculptural three-dimensional elements like floral bustiers or carved wooden corsets. One standout piece was a cream ensemble embroidered with monkeys and leaves, while another featured a corset carved in a wood-like finish, wrapped by sculptural monkeys.
Other designs included sheer tulle gowns with visible corsetry, jackets with dramatic shoulders and floral applique and fully sequined dresses embroidered with birds and foliage.
Some models carried small clutches made from matching textiles.
Nojoud Al-Rumaihi attended the show. (Getty Images)
US rapper Cardi B was among the high-profile guests at the Paris-based brand’s presentation. She arrived wearing an ivory lace gown with a high-neck and long-sleeves. The dress featured sheer panels, tiered ruffles and a voluminous asymmetrical skirt. She completed the look with pointed heels and a side braid.
The rapper posed for photos alongside Ashi ahead of the show.
Ashi’s creations have been worn by the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penélope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Queen Rania of Jordan and more.
Ashi became the first couturier from the Gulf region to join the Fédération de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023. He also became the first designer from the Gulf to be included in the BoF 500 list, the Business of Fashion’s index of the people shaping the fashion industry in 2023.
Ashi designed the inaugural fashion line for the cabin crew of the Kingdom’s new airline, Riyadh Air, which is on track to make its maiden flight this year.
Riyadh Fashion Week issues final call for designer applications ahead of 3rd edition
DUBAI: Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) is gearing up for its third edition, with organizers issuing a final call for designer applications. Fashion houses from across Saudi Arabia and around the world have until July 15 to submit their proposals for inclusion in the official calendar.
One of the Middle East’s most anticipated fashion events, RFW offers a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their collections to international buyers and industry leaders.
The official calendar will feature a broad spectrum of brand activations beyond traditional runway shows. Designers can also take part in curated presentations, showroom exhibitions, trunk shows, retail pop-ups, creative takeovers, private dinners and immersive experiences.
Saudi Arabia-based and international fashion brands across ready-to-wear, couture, menswear, and streetwear categories are eligible.
“This is more than a runway,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission. “It is a statement of creative identity, innovation, and ambition. Riyadh Fashion Week provides a high-impact opportunity for designers to tell their story on a global stage.”
