It’s hard to bring something “new” to New York City, but RA&A was honored to work with the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture to accomplish just that with the Saudi 100 Brands Exhibition in the heart of the Flatiron District. The Saudi Fashion Commission challenged 100 designers to create pieces that reflected Saudi heritage and culture, and the results were a stunning collection of re-imagined traditional garments, contemporary styles, jewelry, bags, and bridal gowns. RA&A turned the industrial-chic space of Iron23 into a temporary museum to showcase the exhibit.

On opening night, H.R.H. Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., and Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, delivered welcome remarks to a room packed full of prominent members of NYC’s fashion scene and the talented Saudi designers who had traveled to see their work displayed. From July 26th through Aug 7th, the exhibition saw thousands of visitors and introduced them to Saudi’s emerging — and inspiring — fashion sector.