Fortunately for us, there is another option. Among the carbon copies of jersey thobes and chiffon kaftans lies something special: the Riyadh-based women’s social group, the Art of Heritage, which designs and produces handmade and one-of-a-kind garments, providing socially conscious fashionistas with good karma and even better design.
Even more fortunate, this Ramadan witnessed the opening of the Art of Heritage’s first boutique in Jeddah. Conveniently located at the female luxury retail space, Ana Gheir (I’m Special) Mall, the boutique offers high quality handmade goods at affordable prices — filling an overlooked niche that has been drowned out by mass-production and a saturation of amateur “Ramadan” lines.
Princess Basma bint Majed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud opened the new, stand-alone boutique to an enthusiastic local clientele, who have become loyal fans thanks to the group’s annual participation at the popular Bsat ar Reeh Ramadan bazaar.
For the past 25 years, the Art of Heritage has been heavily involved in the promotion and preservation of Saudi Arabian heritage. Known for their exceptional reproduction and modern reinvention of traditional garb, with origins from the five regions of Saudi Arabia, the group aspires to take its place as a socially conscious fashion house of collective, local talent.
The Ana Gheir boutique displays a very wide choice of products and gifts that embody the traditional handicraft finishing used in Saudi designs and patterns. A lifestyle brand, the boutique includes thobes, abayas and tarha sets, handmade leather fashion gifts, small pottery items and specialty sets for household use, such as full sets of matching cups, plates and pottery that can be used for cooking.
“Our fashions cover a wide range from very high-end hand embroidered wedding and special occasion dresses that become family treasures to small, very affordable gift items,” revealed general manager Somaya Badr. “We also produce exclusive corporate gifts for selective clients, particularly our Yadawy pottery gifts.” Talented, Saudi women with special needs make every piece of the Yadawy collection, while the clay is sourced from Madinah and Qasim province.
“We have always been known as specialists in the reproduction of fine garments, but many of our clients requested that we did a more affordable, less formal line that could bridge the gap between formal party wear and serve as beautifully done, casual dress that can stay at home or even go to the office or mall,” stated Badr, referring to the launch of the Thareef, a mid-range, casual line. “Thareef is young and fresh in spirit, but traditional. Thareef has great finish details and handwork at a cost anyone can afford.  The line has beautiful handbags, shoes and small leather goods as well.”
The Art of Heritage has its roots deeply embedded in a long history of commitment to social improvement and fine gift production with Al Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women, the largest and oldest women’s charity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at its core. Celebrating its 50th year in October 2012, Al Nahda continues to collaborate and participate in activities and associations with other women’s groups throughout the Kingdom.
The Art of Heritage was previously known as The Heritage Center (a division of Al Nahda). Although established a quarter century ago, the Heritage Center was restructured and registered as a private sector company in July 2009. “We are now evolving,” stated Princess Basma bint Majed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who has been working with the group since its establishment. “This is about becoming a business. It’s crucial that we revive our heritage, while generating funds.”
The objective of the group is to continue its past efforts, but in a new private sector form that will allow the promotion and acceleration of all its commercial goals. It is not structured to retain profit, but to sustain the foundations it was birthed by. “We are devoted to the preservation and promotion of Saudi heritage, and so our lines are designed and tailored to our lifestyle and Saudi fashions,” stated Badr. “We try to use the rich mix of colors, varied textiles and the diverse styles from the five regions of the Kingdom that are as different as traditional Najdi thobes and abayas to the brilliant, flower covered garments of Asir worn by both men and women as our design inspiration—all are a part of Saudi tradition that is so special and unique to all of us.”
The group boasts an extensive collection of museum quality original garments, textiles, jewelry, household artifacts, doors and chests that represent a unique source of authentic reference materials on the early traditions and history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The result is a range of high-end, couture designs to casual, ready-to-wear. A unique alternative to the mundane, these designs are modern reinterpretations of traditional designs, using traditional techniques. Already met your Ramadan thobe quota? Just check out their leather iPad case made using the traditional technique of basket weaving. It’s a must-have for every modern Saudi.