Saudi Gazette JEDDAH - Rubaiyat, a leading retailer of fashion and luxury goods, partnered with the National Home Health Care Foundation (NHHCF) to bring the Vogue Fashion Experience to Jeddah, a 3-day fashion extravaganza which began April 20 to celebrate the creativity of talented young Saudi women. The event featured an exclusive scouting process by Rubaiyat and Vogue Italia team to bring the talent of Saudi fashion designers into the limelight, under the patronage of Princess Adelah bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, President of NHHCF. Commenting on this distinguished initiative that brings together experts of the fashion industry, Princess Adelah said, "It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome the Vogue Italia team to Jeddah and this is indeed a momentous event in the annals of high fashion and I am delighted because it is opening doors for ten talented young Saudi designers whose creations will be featured on a global level," she said. She also thanked the teams of Rubaiyat and Vogue Italia for their tireless efforts to make the event a success. She added that Vogue Italia has been the most influential Italian magazine led by the iconic Franca Sozzani who has been inspirational in her work within the fashion and philanthropy sectors. Wafaa Abbar, President of the Rubaiyat Group said, "As a leading Saudi company, Rubaiyat believes in supporting the Kingdom's youth and nurturing talented designers to bring their creativity to fruition. Our collaboration with Vogue Italia puts a spotlight on the best emerging designers and gives them an exclusive opportunity to showcase their creations to an international audience." The event has been sponsored by Boucheron, Boulevard and BMW by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors. Commenting on their collaboration with Vogue Itallia, Abdullah Binzagr, Owner and Chairman of the Rubaiyat Group said, "Since its foundation in 1980, Rubaiyat has a strong established presence across the Kingdom and we are proud to hold distribution rights for the most famous Italian designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Ermenegildo Zegna," he said. Binzagr added that their partnership with Vogue Italia brings this exceptional event to Jeddah demonstrates their commitment to making the Kingdom's main cities on a par with the greatest fashion capitals of Europe. Speaking on behalf of the NHHCF, Abeer Kabbani, Board Member said, "We highly value our long term partnership with Rubaiyat and we are delighted to be a part of this unique fashion experience which brings Vogue Italia team and leading Italian designers to Jeddah. Such collaborations are key drivers in building on and supporting our health and medical programs. Final year students of Dar Al-Hekma University also showcased their creations. Salma Kaaki, fashion design student at DAHU, said, ""We are delighted that our students have been given this unique opportunity to be featured on an international platform. We were asked to be inspired by Arab culture, and my garment collection has been inspired by Arab sandals." Co-Owner and designer of Haal Inc, who said she was flattered to be one of the ten finalists, told Saudi Gazette, "Being in the fashion industry since ten years, it's nice to be acknowledged by one of the most prestigious fashion organization in the world." Haal Inc's designs have been inspired by Arab traditions and culture and their owners Mariam and Nouf think "every woman should experience wearing an Abaya at least once. It's a breathtakingly beautiful garment if worn with pride."
