“Les Miroirs”: A Tribute to AlUla’s Mystical Landscape and Rich Heritage
“What secrets does your sand hold; what wisdom do your rocks carry? What life does your oasis harbour? I wonder.”
Rami Kadi unveils ‘Les Miroirs’, Spring-Summer 2024 Couture collection, as the first Arab designer in collaboration with AlUla Moments , set against AlUla’s iconic Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building.
Inspired by the Maraya’s reflective surfaces that lend the collection its distinctive name ‘Les Miroirs’, the SS24 collection comprises 32 dresses that integrate the shimmering effect of light on water and the multifaceted surfaces of diamonds.Sequins representing reflective aspects create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.The collection boasts dresses, figure-hugging corsets, skirts, and flowing capes and an innovative use of holographic materials, recycled plastic, PVC, and shattered glass.The designer adds an exquisite floral element to the whole collection, rappelling AlUla’s flowers and the iconic shape of its leaves.
Following AlUla-inspired floral motifs, Maison Rami Kadi adds headpieces and earrings made from silver and gold metals, featuring crystals, engraved metal patterns, and brushed matte elements that lend these accessories distinctive design features reflecting the collection’s inscriptive inspiration.
Rami Al Moallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the RoyalCommission for AlUla, commented:“We are excited for the reveal of Rami Kadi’s collection at the iconic Maraya of AlUla and for the upcoming show in April. This initiative reflects the joint spirit of creativity and innovation. It is a reminder of AlUla’s emergence as a hub where artists working with any medium can draw inspiration from its ancient landscapes and artistic heritage.” “Each piece in Les Miroirs is a reflection of AlUla’s stunning landscape and rich cultural tapestry,” said Rami Kadi.”By marrying modern design with ancient inspiration, we celebrate the enduring nature of beauty.”
Beyond aesthetics, this collaboration holds a crucial commitment to sustainability as a portion of the sales proceeds will be allocated to the conservation of the Arabian Leopard, a vital species and Saudi treasure that AlUla is working to safeguard. Al Moallim continued: “Kadi’s dedication to supporting the Arabian Leopard is of added significance as we approach February 10, the International Day of the Arabian Leopard. We hope that visitors will sense this profound connection between creativity and sustainability through this exceptional showcase.” This initiative aligns with Kadi’s previous role as the UN Environment Programme Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Fashion in West Asia.
AlUla is renowned for its rich ancient artistic heritage, spanning back to rock art and inscriptions found at iconic sites like Jabal Ikmah, as well as the intricate hand-hewn tomb facades at Hegra. These inscriptions are recreated as elegant patterns that embrace the dresses throughout the collection. The collection’s color palette encapsulates desert inspired pantones and shades that reflect the serenity and cultural richness of AlUla; Sandshell Beige, Lightest Sky Blue, Desert Sand Brown, Pink Salt, Antique Crinoline Silver, Mojave Desert..
While the natural splendour of the region is the main inspiration behind Kadi’s collection, the cultural heartbeat of the region pulsates through each creation. Many of the patterns on the dresses are inspired by the ancient inscriptions adorning AlUla’s rocky trails.This historical narrative is woven into each creation, marrying the past with the present. The collection also pays homage to the resilient desert flora as a symbol of life in harsh conditions. This theme is beautifully expressed through floral motifs set against a canvas of shimmering sequins and beads, evoking the sun’s dance across the dunes.