The Fashion Commission has concluded the third edition of the “Saudi Heritage Revival” program, titled “Adornments and Handcraft Heritage” in collaboration with Swarovski and Art of Heritage. The program culminated in a final showcase held at the Future Creative Residence in Riyadh, where designer Hanan Alamoudi was announced as the winner of the competition.
The final showcase brought together participating designers, industry experts, heritage specialists, and creative community members to celebrate the culmination of the program and the participants’ creative interpretations of Saudi cultural heritage through contemporary jewelry and garment design.
Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s program focused on encouraging emerging Saudi creative talent to explore traditional craftsmanship through a contemporary lens. Participants were challenged to draw inspiration from Saudi crafts and cultural elements, incorporating them into innovative designs that reflect both the richness of the Kingdom’s cultural identity and the possibilities of contemporary design.
Throughout the program, participants took part in a comprehensive educational journey that included in-person workshops, expert guidance, and virtual mentorship sessions led by specialists from Swarovski and Art of Heritage, alongside designers and heritage practitioners. The program covered jewelry design, traditional crafts, accessories, and contemporary applications of Saudi cultural elements.
As part of the collaboration, participants were also given the opportunity to incorporate Swarovski Reignited Crystals into their designs, encouraging innovative approaches to material reuse while highlighting the intersection of craftsmanship, contemporary design, and sustainability.
Following several weeks of concept development and mentorship, finalists presented their completed designs to an expert judging panel comprising representatives and specialists from the Fashion Commission, Art of Heritage, Swarovski, and the creative sector. The winning design was selected based on its creative interpretation of Saudi cultural elements, craftsmanship, innovation, and contemporary relevance.
The winner received a certificate of recognition along with a valuable Swarovski crystal package, while the top five designers who were nominated to participate in Swarovski’s international academic competition.
Through the “Saudi Heritage Revival” program, the Fashion Commission continues to create opportunities for emerging creative talent to develop their skills, engage with industry experts, and transform Saudi cultural elements into contemporary creative expressions. The initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to supporting local talent, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and fostering innovation across the Kingdom’s creative ecosystem.
This program is a continuation of the Saudi Fashion Commission’s efforts to support local talents and enable them through training and development programs that contribute to reviving Saudi heritage through creative designs that merge traditional elements with innovation.
Source: Riyadh Daily