RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct 23, (Agencies): In a dazzling display of haute couture fashion, models adorned in exquisitely embroidered gowns featuring intricate beadwork and sequins graced the runway at Riyadh Fashion Week, courtesy of Tima Abid, a talented haute couture designer hailing from Jeddah. Abid's creations seamlessly melded contemporary styles with the rich tapestry of traditional Arabian heritage, leaving spectators in awe.

The collection, aptly described by Abid as an embodiment of "darkness, light, and opposites," was exclusively designed for the inaugural Riyadh Fashion Week. Drawing inspiration from the natural landscapes of the Kingdom, her signature structured looks echoed the undulating desert dunes, lush oases, and majestic mountain terrains.

In a video presentation for Riyadh Fashion Week, Abid explained her artistic vision, saying, "The collection draws from the cycle of life, from the first light of dawn to the grandeur of the sunset, which gracefully descends, adorned with stars against the night sky."

The runway featured a stunning array of long, intricately embellished gowns crafted from opulent fabrics, complemented by a range of exquisite accessories. Among them were bracelets adorned with sequin-covered circular orbs and elaborate head coverings reminiscent of the traditional Muslim shayla, embellished with feathers and other bejeweled accents. Notably, some models graced the catwalk wearing the batoola, a striking metallic fashion mask traditionally worn by Arabian Muslim women.

Tima Abid, a luminary in the world of haute couture, established her label nearly two decades ago and has since been sought after by numerous prominent figures, including the celebrated Emirati-Yemeni singer Balqees Fathi, for whom she designed a bridal gown. In 2020, Abid made her remarkable debut at Paris Haute Couture Week, capturing hearts with her seemingly never-ending bridal train, intricate lacework patterns, and lavish evening dresses that exuded the essence of a woman proud of her heritage while embracing modernity.

Abid's collection can be best described as celestial in nature, a harmonious fusion of East and West, past and present, resulting in couture pieces that transport viewers into a realm of dreams and timeless beauty. She expressed her intention eloquently, stating, "This collection is my invitation to fall in love with today and with life."