Creative Design: Graduate

Conventional But Contemporary

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Abstract

Within the Hijaz culture of West Saudi Arabia, historical clothing is a physical manifestation of identity. Many tribes, each with its own history, have lived within this region. The Otaiba tribe is one of the most well-known Hijazi tribes and therefore is an effective cultural representation of Saudi heritage. The impact of Western revolutionization in Saudi Arabia changed how some Saudi women viewed historic dress as a part of a modern wardrobe. The purpose of making this ensemble is to look at ways to develop new apparel designs for Saudi Arabian women that bridge the gap between the outdated historic styles and modern, fashion-forward approaches to dressing. This research is part of a larger study that serves three purposes. First, to reinterpret and apply design details from traditional costumes of Western Saudi Arabia to contemporary apparel designs. Second, to incorporate traditional embroidery techniques into new garment designs in order to add historic and ethnic values. Third, to enhance a contemporary look while also incorporating the traditional art form of hand embroidery. 

Keywords: Culture, Ethnic

How to Cite:

Alotaibi, S. M. & Starkey, S., (2018) “Conventional But Contemporary”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 75(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.9961