Saudi Fashion Takes Center Stage at Saudi Cup 2023

The Saudi Cup 2023 is not only the most lucrative horseracing event in the world, but it has also become a complete fashion affair highlighting the history and culture of Kingdom.

The event, which saw Japanese underdog Panthalassa win the USD $10 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh on Sunday, drew a notable crowd from KSA and beyond, including Martha Stewart, who went all out to showcase ensembles that celebrated the diverse and extensive sartorial legacy of the Kingdom.

The Saudi Cup event featured a variety of brands, including Mona Alshebil, Adnan Akbar, Heba Al-Qurashi, Amarah, Foz Couture, Anno Boutique, Jim Jewelry, Atelier Hekayat, NA Designs, RMRM, Sajas, Yasmeen Marzouq, and Yousra Jewelry.

On the first day of the Saudi Cup event, Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was seen wearing designs created by Mona Alshebil.

Additionally, influencer Nojoud Al-Rumaihi wore a stunning white column gown with a blue beaded embroidered cape designed by Nour Al-Dhahri.

Alanoud Badr chose a throb-themed gown from Sara Intabi Couture and completed her look with jewelry from Luda Jewelry.

Fashion model Linda wore a dress inspired by pigeon towers created by the Saudi brand Qormuz at a popular event. The dress had deep pockets which housed real pigeons, and it was a topic of conversation among attendees. During the event, Linda released the pigeons one by one with poetic gestures so that they could return home.

The Saudi Cup was a true fashion spectacle akin to a mix of the Met Gala and the Royal Ascot. Men were dressed handsomely in traditional garments such as thobes, bishts, and shemaghs, and some even carried decorative daggers at their waists. 

Women were seen walking around the greens in front of the King Abdulaziz Racetrack dressed in outfits that honored the country's cultural legacy. There were beautiful white flower crowns, abayas with gold coins attached to the hemlines, and ornate Battoulahs on their faces. Some women even wore clothes that had been passed down from their mothers or grandmothers.

The event was an opportunity to celebrate the future of Saudi fashion and many women chose to wear designs from the Saudi 100 Brands, which have been supported and promoted by the Saudi Fashion Commission. In addition, it offers designers opportunities to showcase their work internationally.