Who is better to write a book about Saudi fashion than her Highness Nura bint Faisal al-Saud? She is only fitting that she wrote her latest book on Asurin, as the great grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, is also a pioneer of Saudi fashion week. Saudi Arabian Costumes: Fashion Heritage. The 200-page hardback in a gorgeous clamshell case is written in collaboration with Cyan Ticher and features photos of Rajiz Hamani. The idea for this publication was born in 2019 when Her Highness and Ticha curated the physical exhibition of traditional Saudi Arabian clothing in Riyadh for the Ministry of Culture and published a support catalogue for that. “Since that moment, we’ve been looking for a publisher who could create more permanent documents of the incredible fashion pieces we were able to put together. For us, this book was a labor of love and it created a long time.”
Revealing Tichar.
Emphasizing the cultural outfits of various Arab peoples unified under the kingdom, the book is organized into five states: North, South, East, West and Central. “Fashion is unique not only from region to region, but from tribes to tribes, and clothing has identified the source of the wearer,” explains her Highness. “When writing a book, we can include information so that readers can see not only where their costume comes from, but also the socioeconomic status of the wearer.” Saudi Arabian costumes, She emphasizes that it is an important resource as it is located within the colorful timeline of the country’s cultural attire, beyond aesthetics to reveal the roots and connections of each garment. “The fabrics used and embroidered patterns tell stories about the trade routes of the period in which they were made. For example, clothing from the east of the kingdom has an influence from India and Asia, as the fabrics that arrived there came to the trade routes from those countries,” says her Highness. “On the other hand, Northern fashion is made from hard fabrics such as woven sheep wool to accommodate cold winter temperatures. Each item tells a story and hopes that this book is a guide to deciphering such insights.” In addition to clothing, the new book spotlights Saudi Arabian accessories and jewelry, such as decorative headpieces and coal ships decorated with fabrics and ornaments, making it a fashion item in itself.
