The innovative ideas and creativity of Saudi youth have contributed to a huge growth in the number of business startups in the Kingdom.
And among them is Mine Bags, which has found success in the highly competitive handbags market with its interchangeable products that allow customers to alter the look of items by switching between different brooches and straps.
Accessories for its leather bags are designed and made by other Saudi startups, NGOs, and charities.
Noor Zahid, of Mine Bags, said: “We thought of adding something to the bags to make them attractive to Saudi youth. Originally, we looked at embroidery, but it was difficult to embroider on leather.”
However, after further research they came up with idea of personalized brooches and leather bags designed specifically for the purpose. The handbags are supplied with single or multiple holes for the attachment of decorative brooches which are either machined or hand embroidered.
“Mine Bags’ motive was to involve as many local NGOs and charitable organizations as it could. We aim to bring the right pin with the right bag, with the right hole, while maintaining elegance and coherence,” Zahid added.
The startup’s main challenge was to find a regular supplier of quality leather but when the raw materials it required could not be sourced in Saudi Arabia the search shifted to Tunisia.
The company’s first line used off-cut leather from mass-produced, high-end brands.
Zahid said: “The atelier we contacted to make our bags told us they had no use for the (leftover) leather, so we decided against buying excessive amounts of it and used what they provided.” This helped the brand to be sustainable and affordable, and reduced the amount of waste.
Mine Bags also offers embroidered straps, tote bags, small pouches, laptop bags, and other items and has expanded its range to include on-demand T-shirts.
Zahid pointed out that products were designed with versatility, uniqueness, slow fashion, and practicality in mind while ensuring that components were multipurpose.
“You can change the brooches to fit wherever you are going and can use the straps with other bags. The brooches can also be used on clothes and as headpieces,” she added.
Although the brand is currently only sold in Saudi Arabia, the company has signed a contract to start supplying to Bahrain.
“Because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic we have noticed that people are more interested in local brands and designers, which is enabling new designers to emerge.
“So, during the lockdown, we focused on our made-in-Saudi line and once everything was open, we were ready with production,” Zahid said.
She also revealed that the brand was collaborating with fashion designer Nasiba Hafiz. Mine Bags products are available on Instagram at @mineofficially.
Startup of the Week: Saudi startup adds bags of choice to popular fashion items
https://arab.news/5btqm
Startup of the Week: Saudi startup adds bags of choice to popular fashion items
- Saudi startup adds bags of choice to popular fashion items
Cynthia Erivo kicks off Grammys in Ashi Studio look as Beyonce wins top award
DUBAI/ LOS ANGELES: The 2025 Grammys in Los Angeles saw “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo kick off proceedings in a gown by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.
Accompanied by Herbie Hancock on piano, Erivo sang Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” while wearing a sculpted gown from the Paris-based designer’s Fall/ Winter 2024 collection.
She complemented her Ashi Studio dress with Messika jewelry and Christian Louboutin heels.
Erivo’s look hailed from Ashi Studio’s Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection, titled “Sculpted Clouds.”
At the ceremony on Sunday night, Beyoncé won album of the year for “Cowboy Carter,” delivering her — at last — the show’s elusive top award.
The superstar, who is both the most awarded and nominated artist in Grammys history, has been up for the category four times before.
In winning album of the year with “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé became the first Black woman to win the top prize in the 21st century. The last was Lauryn Hill with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” 26 years ago. Before her was Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston. That means Beyoncé is only the fourth Black woman to win album of the year at the Grammys.
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department presented Beyonce with the trophy Sunday, one of several times the show reflected the recent wildfires that burned thousands of homes.
“It’s been many, many years,” Beyoncé said in her speech. “I want to dedicate this to Ms. Martell,” she said, referencing Linda Martell, the performer who became the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry, a music venue in Nashville, Tennessee.
“We finally saw it happen, everyone,” host Trevor Noah said, nodding to the long overdue achievement for one of music's transcendent artists.
Kendrick Lamar won song and record of the year for his diss track “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Grammys, taking home two of the night's most prestigious awards.
“We're gonna dedicate this one to the city,” Lamar said before shouting out Los Angeles area neighborhoods.
It is the second hip-hop single to ever win in the category. The first was Childish Gambino’s “This Is America."
Indonesian Embassy’s event aims to foster Saudi-Indonesian ties through fashion
- Designs on show at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace
RIYADH: The Embassy of Indonesia on Friday hosted the Indonesia Fashion Night, an evening celebrating designs, at Riyadh’s Cultural Palace.
Sugiri Suparwan, the deputy chief of mission at the embassy, said: “Tonight we celebrate creativity, culture, and collaboration as we showcase the beauty and diversity of Indonesian fashion.”
Noesa Birama showcased collections from nine Indonesian designers, including Deden Siswanto and her line Rachana Abra; Opie Ovie with Blue Journey to Eternity; Nina M. Nata with Splendor of Abaya; Irmasari Joedawinata with Hidden; Yani Halim with Cordial Bellis; Shaza by Adelina with Bon Voyage; Althafunissa by Karina with Haneen Jeumpa; Rinnasuri with Urang Minang; and Nura Boutique by Oewi Wahyono with Floral Blooming.
Wahyono has been living in Jeddah for over 30 years and said that many of her pieces drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia.
When asked if there were any Saudi elements that inspired or impacted her design process, she referenced her love for the Saudi abaya.
She said: “I have been here in Saudi and you can see now with the outfit I am wearing, I always make my designs into dresses, but also similar to abayas.
“Abaya for me is something that I can’t live without. Everywhere I go I’m always wearing an abaya. I love abayas, maybe that’s why.”
She added: “I might change it slightly but I am always wearing and using the abaya style.”
Speaking about her fashion line, Floral Blooming, the designer said: “These designs tell the story of floral blooming. The pattern of the material displays many floral sand butterflies.”
Attending the fashion event were a variety of figures from the Kingdom, including business owners, ambassadors, fashion designers, and influencers.
The main element of the event featured a catwalk that ran through the center of the Cultural Palace’s hall with a backdrop that showcased dresses and themes.
In their mission to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the embassy invited designers to showcase their pieces in a way that allowed visitors a close look.
The evening began with remarks from Suparwan followed by a message from Yusuf Arifin, the chairman of the fashion show.
The deputy chief of mission said that the fashion industry was one of Indonesia’s most “dynamic and growing” sectors.
Suparwan added: “In 2025, revenue from Indonesia’s fashion market is projected to reach $8.8 billion with an annual growth of 2.07 percent.
“Saudi Arabia’s fashion market, on the other hand, is expected to generate $5.1 billion by this year, growing at an impressive rate of 10.3 percent a year.”
Suparwan spoke of the “enormous potential for both markets and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The envoy said that potential alone was not enough and that it needed to be connected, expressing the hope that the fashion event could serve as a bridge between the Saudi and Indonesian fashion industries while “fostering collaboration, partnerships and mutual growth.”
Arifin described the event as “an evening that celebrates the creativity, artistry, and cultural heritage of Indonesia,” with some 18 local models adorning traditional Indonesian textiles.
Dubai Fashion Week’s opening night hosts diverse designs
DUBAI: Set to run until Feb. 6, the opening night of Dubai Fashion Week saw designers show off their Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collections in the city on Saturday.
The opening night’s line-up included an ode to Paris by Manel, founded by Dubai-based designer Manel Aboudaoud; a tribute to batik craftsmanship by Indonesian brand Toton; and a nod to Moscow and the Silk Road by Dubai-based Filipino designer Angelo Estera.
From flowing gowns to structured silhouettes, Iraqi designer Zaki presented a collection marked by subdued, elegant hues. Zaki — who has dressed celebrities including Kris Jenner, Ciara and Tyra Banks — created a number of ombre gowns for her latest line, which also included metallic evening wear amid nude-colored looks. Rouching was seen in many of the figure-hugging gowns, with a creamy beige menswear look turning heads on the runway.
Meanwhile, Toton Januar collaborated with batik artisans from Tuban and Cirebon, Indonesia, for a collection that combined traditional artistry with upcycled fabrics and innovative use of materials such as paper clay.
Aboudaoud made a winning debut at Dubai Fashion Week with the “Paris Day to Night” collection, a tribute to her Parisian upbringing and Arab roots. The collection combined elegant tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and versatile designs that can transition from day to night. The colour palette drew inspiration from Parisian winters, blending earthy tones with opulent hues. Textured velvet, jacquard, Chantilly lace, and satin were employed across the collection to create a refined, yet wearable line.
For his part, Estera fused traditional Russian elements with Eastern influences in a show inspired by the ancient trade routes connecting the East and West. The Autumn/Winter 2025-26 collection featured a rich colour palette of red, black, and gold, representing luck, mystery, and cultural prosperity, according to the show notes.
Saudi-helmed Ashi Studio unveils sculptural silhouettes, intricate embroidery at Paris Haute Couture Week
- Couturier’s designs been worn by Queen Rania of Jordan, Beyonce
- First designer from region to join Federation de la Haute Couture
DUBAI: Paris-based label Ashi Studio, founded by Saudi Arabia designer Mohammed Ashi, presented its Spring/Summer 2025 couture collection on Thursday during Paris Haute Couture Week, featuring sculptural silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and detailed craftsmanship.
The collection has a range of designs that incorporate voluminous structures, textural contrasts and embellishments.
Several looks emphasize architectural shapes, including a voluminous ivory skirt paired with an embroidered cropped jacket in shades of blue, adorned with floral beading and gold detailing.
Other designs include structured corseted gowns with sheer lace panels and sculpted sleeves.
The collection also features darker tones, with black and gold embroidery on form-fitting dresses. Strapless gowns include intricate hand embroidery with landscape motifs.
Metallic fringe elements and shimmering embellishments contribute to the textural variation within the lineup.
Alongside heavily adorned pieces, the collection includes streamlined silhouettes, such as a deep burgundy velvet strapless gown and a turquoise column dress with matching gloves.
Ashi became the first couturier from the region to join the Federation de la Haute Couture in Paris as a guest member in 2023.
The couturier’s designs have been worn by celebrities including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penelope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Huda Kattan launches ‘Huda Hotline’ — a podcast for honest talking
DUBAI: Huda Kattan, the mogul behind Huda Beauty, is breaking new ground with the launch of her “Huda Hotline” podcast.
Launched on Jan. 30, the podcast marks her first major project outside her beauty empire, offering a space for candid discussions about self-worth, beauty standards and personal growth.
Speaking about her motivation, Kattan told Arab News: “I wanted to do this for so long, it’s been a dream of mine for so many years, because I just had so many people from my community asking me to do a podcast, telling me they wanted to see a place where I could share some of my experiences.”
She added that her community has always been deeply connected by a shared passion for development and hard work, something she has learned from statistics and surveys conducted on her META platforms. They revealed a significant percentage of her followers are women striving to start their own businesses.
With “Huda Hotline,” Kattan said she was aiming to give back by being more vulnerable and open about her journey.
“I also have realized that my vulnerability and accepting that I don’t know the answers is something that people also have appreciated from me,” she said.
Initial episodes will explore topics such as entrepreneurship, overcoming fear and redefining traditional beauty standards.
Kattan also talked about the impact her beauty brand has had on diversifying the industry. She said: “I definitely think we were a big part of leading this conversation, and it was difficult at first. It was very, very difficult to be based in the Middle East and trying to break through to the US, break through Europe, and that was extremely, extremely challenging.”
As for the podcast’s future, Kattan envisions she will eventually bring in guests.
“I definitely think there may be some people, but not right away,” she said. She said she was interested in featuring experts in health, self-improvement and biohacking, giving her audience a glimpse into her personal passions beyond beauty.
“I’m so ready for this,” she added.
