Abdulrahman Al-Romaizan: How Diriyah inspired his new collection

At a grand event held this October in Diriyah, Abdulrahman Al-Romaizan – founder and creative director of RAMZEN – unveiled an exclusive selection of embellished gowns and lavish robes.

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The historic birthplace of the first Saudi state, also known as The City of Earth, was chosen as the location to reveal the Milan-based label’s first evening wear collection, which featured beautifully crafted pieces for women and men.  

The collection – also titled The City of Earth, after Diriyah – was staged in collaboration with Diriyah Company and took place in Bujairi Terrace amid the mesmerising ancient ruins of At-Turaif and Wadi Hanifah. It was part of the inaugural Diriyah Arts and Fashion Exhibition and celebrated the synergies of both art and fashion, linking the present to Saudi’s historic past.  

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Al-Romaizan launched his label two years ago and has since shown his work during Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. However, it was this couture collection inspired by Diriyah that allowed him to show for the first time in his home country. The collection featured 60 looks inspired by the history, art, and elements of beauty captured in the ancient city. 

“The collection is a celebration of the past, incorporating old Saudi techniques and aspects of traditional Saudi dress, and these influences were reinterpreted in ways that have never been seen before,” Al-Romaizan said. 

“Some looks feature visual components inspired by At-Turaif,” the designer, known for upending Saudi fashion, added. “The colours of this singular landscape are woven into many of the designs. At the same time, half of the collection is contemporary and timeless, with Saudi patterns and lovely Najdi style subtly incorporated into each look.” 

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The pieces are fabulous-meets-earth, evoking traditional Arabian dress, in deep and rich magentas, browns, and hues resembling the colour of golden sand – all reflective of the rich desert hues found throughout Diriyah.  

When asked why he focused his inspiration there, Al-Romaizan said it is a place of immense beauty and representation. 

“As a Saudi citizen, I have an appreciation for this city where our history was born, and I have been affiliated with Diriyah on so many beautiful occasions,” the creative added. “It was a dream come true for me to hold this event in a place that holds such special meaning for me and for all of the Kingdom.” 

The collection, which took the designer one year to create, was made using a variety of materials, including customised lace, mosaic embroidery, and even, he noted, something as simple as sustainable fabrics. Al-Romaizan said he likes to focus on new cutting-edge materials that are at once sustainable, glamourous, and endow each look with special elements as if they were works of art.  

Starting a fashion label fulfilled a childhood dream for the designer known for his innovative work.  

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“I have always been a fashion enthusiast and very involved in the fashion industry,” he said. “I collect and read books, I attend shows, I meet designers. One day, I woke up and wondered why I shouldn’t create my own fashion brand and really have my own signature on everything I do, since I am so heavily involved in art, entertainment, and events. Of all the art forms, fashion is the most personal. It's a reflection of what is happening inside a person's mind and heart. It's how people really see your personality and a way to communicate your personal style.” 

Last year, Al-Romaizan was the first Saudi designer invited to participate in Monte-Carlo Fashion Week and received the award for Best Emerging Designer from Princess Charlene of Monaco.  

“All of these international opportunities were very rewarding, but realising my dream of presenting the first fashion show in my own country is even more deeply gratifying and meaningful,” he said.  

As his latest collection shows, fashion is also a way to reflect the major changes taking place in a certain place and time. Al-Romaizan’s recent pieces capture Saudi during a time of great change – when the country is bolstering its identity through remembering its heritage and looking to the future through its grand transformation plans.  

“We will continue to build a global brand, celebrated in the fashion capitals of the world, but my fashion capital will always be Riyadh,” Al-Romaizan said about the many plans he has in the works.