The winner of the “Saudi Heritage Revival” competition was unveiled on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Creative Residence, located at the Fashion Commission FCR headquarters within the vibrant JAX District. The event was attended by a panel of esteemed judges, competition participants, and fashion enthusiasts.
Launched in July by the Saudi 100 Brands Program, an initiative of the Saudi Fashion Commission, the competition aimed to foster sustainability in fashion design while celebrating Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and national heritage. Participants showcased their creativity by incorporating elements of traditional Saudi design arts and integrating them with a unique twist featuring classic Swarovski crystals.
The competition’s framework included a virtual introductory session on August 26 that set the stage for participants by outlining the competition’s objectives and requirements. This was followed by guidance workshops with Swarovski experts held in Riyadh from September 2 to 4, and individual virtual sessions for personalized feedback on participants’ progress. The designs were later assessed by a jury, which meticulously reviewed each submission before selecting the winner.
On September 25, the winner was confirmed, and it was announced that Hebah Baatiyyah had triumphed in this exciting competition. In addition to the accolades, Baatiyyah will receive a prestigious training opportunity at the headquarters of Dar Al-Hanouf Fashion in Jeddah. The recognition did not end there, as the top five designers, including Baatiyyah, Alanood Aljabeer, Lama AlHabashi, Rawan Alyami, and Reem Bashawri, have also earned spots to compete in an international academic competition organized by Swarovski. This event is centered around the theme “Interpretation of the Swarovski SS 2025 Inspiration Theme Street Art in a Commercial Ready to Wear Outfit.”
This initiative not only highlights emerging talents in the Saudi fashion scene but also reinforces the commitment to sustainability and cultural appreciation in the country’s burgeoning fashion industry. The event marks a significant step towards positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global fashion landscape while honoring its unique heritage. [1]