Arwá Spring 2026: ‘A Quieter Luxury’ for Evening

Arwá designer Arwa Al Banawi made a compelling case for intimacy in a Riyadh Fashion Week dominated by spectacle. The designer chose a salon-style presentation to unveil her collection, titled “Sahra 02: Riyō Soleil,” which drew inspiration from Riyadh’s sunset hour. 

Al Banawi, who has previously held runway shows, said the new format allowed her to communicate in a way that was “deeply aligned with our values — intimacy, narrative and craft,” offering what she called “a quieter luxury.”

Her collection, timed for pre-spring, just ahead of Ramadan, speaks to the modern Saudi woman’s transitional wardrobe from day to night.

The sophisticated palette ranged from olive gold, desert fig, lavender and midnight black to bone. A standout piece, a knee-length caftan with matching pants, captured all the tones of when the desert warmth meets urban twilight. 

True to Al Banawi’s philosophy that “practicality is key” because “women want to look sophisticated and to feel comfortable,” the collection featured fluid tailoring in silk and jacquard. There were formfitting, high-neck, long dresses in comfortable bamboo jersey, and pajama sets elevated in taffeta, which could be layered or worn as separates. The pieces moved naturally with the body, designed to transition from evening salons to Ramadan gatherings.

This collection also marked Arwá’s accessories debut with two Italian-crafted pieces that the designer deemed “essentials” — an oversize clutch in oxblood leather and a classic tote in black crocodile embossed leather. The presentation included collaborations with Egyptian jewelry designer Laila Wahba and Ray-Ban, with models wearing the classic Wayfarer, bridging daywear ease and evening elegance.