Saudi designer Yousef Akbar brought vibrant colors and a touch of playful creativity to Riyadh Fashion Week with his dazzling Spring/Summer 2024 collection, titled “SHIFT // REBIRTH.”
The eveningwear collection, showcased in the heart of the King Abdullah Financial District, pays tribute to the remarkable strength of the women in Akbar’s life. It features monochromatic shades that experiment with texture and form, as well as bold neon colors that either dominate an entire look or playfully peek from beneath sleek gowns and flowing dresses.
The signature Yousef Akbar draped gown with built-in gloves made appearances in new variations, this time in jersey fabric and trendy lilac and blush colors. For a more business-appropriate look, an all-neon-green ensemble includes wide-legged pants with an elegant train paired with a draped jacket.
A standout fabric in the collection is beaded taffeta, used in gathered gowns with built-in corsets, high-low skirts, and paired with diamante tops and lycra stockings. The collection is described as a celebration of the uniqueness and power of women today as they assert their rightful place in the world and redefine boundaries with strength, grace, and unwavering spirit.
The fashion show featured two collaborations. First, Akbar partnered with Singapore-based jewelry brand Boheme SG, with models wearing delicate hand-made, gold-plated brass orchid accessories, symbolizing femininity and fertility. The second collaboration featured models wearing striking eyewear from Saudi brand Hazel Optics.
Yousef Akbar, a celebrity-favored designer known for dressing stars like Sharon Stone, Alicia Keys, Chrissy Teigen, and Nicole Kidman, established his eponymous label in 2016 and operates from a design studio in Sydney. He also won Qatar’s Fashion Trust Arabia award in 2020.
