Istituto Marangoni to shape Saudi Arabia’s fashion future

If you’re in search of high-quality traditional attire with stunning designs, look no further than Darlena, a Saudi brand.

Darlena specializes in crafting pieces using premium fabrics, making them stand out in the realm of abayas and colorful jalabiyas.

Arabian culture places significant value on modest yet vibrant clothing, especially during special occasions like Ramadan and Eid. Women cherish wearing these garments as a way to honor their heritage.

Darlena captures this cultural essence beautifully with its diverse range of designs that cater to all tastes. Their collection ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of individual style.

They offer dresses tailored specifically for both warm and cool skin tones, allowing every woman to feel elegant and feminine.

The intricate embroidery and vibrant sequins added to the dresses accentuate various body shapes, enhancing the overall beauty of the wearer.

Darlena offers everything from basic designs to embroidered cloche abayas and options for the winter, all of which are regularly updated to keep pace with current fashion trends.

While the prices may not fit every budget, the exceptional quality of the garments may justify the investment. Darlena also boasts a loyalty program, rewarding returning customers with exclusive benefits.

Additionally, their website includes a dedicated forum discussing the latest trends in abayas, fostering a community for fashion enthusiasts.

Recently, I purchased a jalabiya for my Eid breakfast, and I was thoroughly impressed. The fabric is cool, refreshing, and incredibly comfortable against the skin.

Best of all, I paid approximately SR 522 ($139) for it, a reasonable price for such quality. The dress arrived within three days, and I absolutely adored the vibrant colors and exquisite design.

Darlena truly encapsulates the spirit of traditional Arabian wear with a modern twist, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in modest fashion.

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad has unveiled his latest collaboration with Italian label Marina Rinaldi. Murad designed the brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 capsule collection inspired by China’s Tang dynasty. 

Drawing from the dynasty’s introduction of peony cultivation in imperial gardens, Murad infused the collection with images of the flower.

The collection focuses largely on eveningwear.

“Grand evening gowns go beyond the pure object, they are a way of investing in one’s personal history,” the designer said in a released statement. True to his signature style, the collection features hourglass silhouettes and intricate hand-embroidered details.

The collection’s color palette mirrors another element of Tang dynasty artistry — delicate chinaware. Soft shades of cream, sky blue, aquamarine green and pink infuse the flowing chiffon gowns, pleated bodices and long plisse skirts. 

“These looks wrap and enhance all women,” said Murad, highlighting the collection’s inclusive and flattering designs. The pieces are crafted from a mix of luxurious fabrics, including cady, pure silk georgette and shimmering sequins hand-sewn onto tulle to create a wave effect.

The silhouettes range from semi-fitted bodices that gently flare out to rich, flowing kaftans adorned with peony motifs. The collection also features long-sleeved gowns with deep V-necklines that emphasize the waist, along with sleek trouser suits for a modern touch.

The Tang dynasty ruled china from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. The period was known for its flourishing arts and culture scene, with imperial ceremonies reviving the practice of hosting orchestras and companies of dancers. China in this period was also open to outside influences as as Arabian and Persian seamen did trade in the area.

This is Murad’s second collection for Marina Rinaldi that merges historical influences with contemporary fashion. 

The designer has been recognized for his detailed craftsmanship in haute couture and bridal fashion. Since founding his brand in 1997, he has gained international attention. His creations have been worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Sofia Vergara, Blake Lively, Kristen Stewart, and Scarlett Johansson on major red carpets. 

He is also one of a handful of Arab designers on the official Paris Fashion Week and Paris Haute Couture Week calendars.