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Continuation of a Craft: Saudi Traditional Costumes will be held in Ithra’s Gallery 2 from November 2024 – August 2025.
Continuation of a Craft: Saudi Traditional Costumes is an exhibition dedicated to the heritage of Saudi Arabia’s traditional costumes and jewelry. Part of Ithra’s broader crafts theme, the exhibition highlights the artistry and craftsmanship behind these garments, showcasing the intricate design, materials, and techniques that define the diverse cultural traditions of the Kingdom. The exhibit not only explores the historical evolution of Saudi costume design but also celebrates the work of contemporary designers who reinterpret and modernize traditional clothes while preserving its legacy.
By presenting both historical pieces and contemporary creations, the exhibition illustrates how traditional Saudi costumes have evolved over time, blending local and imported materials to create vibrant garments that reflect regional identities and cultural values. The display also emphasizes the environmental influences on costume design, with regional variations in materials, shapes, and colors corresponding to Saudi Arabia’s diverse geography.
The Continuation of a Craft: Saudi Traditional Costumes exhibition, in collaboration with 1971 - Design Space, Al-Midad Cultural Center, Mansoojat, and …, aims to show the cultural significance of Saudi traditional clothes, with contemporary designers drawing inspiration from their heritage to create new, wearable interpretations that continue to celebrate the beauty and artistry of Saudi costume culture.
About 1971 - Design Space
Located in Sharjah, 1971 - Design Space is a multi-functional design space dedicated to the display and discussion of all forms of contemporary design ranging from interiors, to interactive design and technology. With a variety of exhibitions and public programs, 1971 - Design Space aims to become a design hub working closely with local designers, architects, schools and universities.
Al-Medad Cultural Center (House of Islamic Arts)
Based on the premise that culture is a fundamental driver in any human society, the Al-Medad Cultural Center (House of Islamic Arts) aims to introduce other communities to the cultural, artistic and historical treasures of Saudi Arabia, thereby building cultural and knowledge bridges between the Kingdom and the world.
About Mansoojat
Created in 1999 in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, by a group of Saudi women who share an interest in the costumes and heritage of the Kingdom, Mansoojat’s mission is to preserve and revive the traditional costumes, textiles and embroidery of Saudi Arabia, to promote and conduct academic research on the history and culture of the regions, and to raise public awareness of this unique heritage.
About Dr. Laila Al Bassam
Dr. Laila Al Bassam is an expert in Saudi Heritage and a Professor of the History of Clothing and Textile. Dr. Al Bassam documented the heritage of Saudi Traditional costumes across the different regions of Saudi Arabia through four decades of field studies.
She was awarded the King Salman Prize of Excellence for Research and Studies on the History of the Arabian Peninsula for her contribution in documenting the traditional costumes of Saudi Arabia through her academic research (2012). She was awarded the King Khalid Medal, Third Degree (2019) for her contribution to national heritage. She was also awarded the Fashion Award as part of the National Cultural Awards for the year 2024 in recognition of her long career in documenting and promoting Saudi traditional costumes.
Contributing artists
