By Aljohara Zarea

JEDDAH – Eman Alajlan shone by registering her name as the first Saudi designer to participate in the Fifa World Cup.

The pride of the Saudis did not stop with the massive performance presented by the Saudi National Team in the Qatar World Cup 2022, especially with their historic victory against world champions Argentina in their first match, but lasted until the last moment of the World Cup through the participation of Saudi designer Eman Alajlan with a design that millions of people around the world saw.

Alajlan's participation in the closing ceremony of the Qatar World Cup 2022 held at Lusail Stadium, which was watched by the whole world, came with a charming, luxurious design that suited the global event.

It was worn by Moroccan singer Manal Benchlikha, as she sang alongside international artists such as Balqees Ahmed Fathi, Nora Fatehi, Rahma Riad, Davido and others.

Alajlan explained to Saudi Gazette the details of the jumpsuit design, which was filled with royal black and gilded with bright gold. She said that she relied on black taffeta fabric, which is known to be one of the best options for luxurious occasions, in addition to using golden crystal.

Alajlan, in her design worn by Manal, maintained a balance that suits the big sporting event, as she combined between the chic-casual jumpsuit, with the addition of a cape over it to add luxury to the full look.

She said that they were asked for certain colors to suit the ambience of the big ceremony, especially to add the golden color and its luster associated with the World Cup.

The design, which took Iman eight days to finalize, was chosen by the French team of the singer from among several pieces from other huge brands. There was a great competition to make the final choice on Alajlan's design. The final look of Manal was completed with a golden head piece from ELI PEACOCK.

When asked about what distinguishes this latest design that she starred in, Eman said the World Cup 2022 is different from the rest of all the other versions, as this is the first World Cup in an Arab and Gulf country. In addition to that, it was full of surprises and beautiful events that will be stuck in the memories of people around the world.

She said that she is proud to participate as the first Saudi designer in a major international event, which is certainly a special and honorable thing, while noting that it is a historical imprint for her and a big step in her career.

It is worth mentioning that international and Arab celebrities have worn Alajlan' designs, such as Mahlagha Jaberi, Shanina Shaik, Grace Elizabeth Cindy Kimberly, Laila Abdullah, Elham Ali and many others in major events such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Red Sea International Film Festival and many more.

Alajlan emphasized the importance of fashion in spreading the name of the country globally, as the fashion sector is able to create a beautiful impression and reflect a distinctive image of Saudi Arabia.

"Fashion is certainly considered a soft power that is able to be a reason for many people to travel to Saudi Arabia to own distinctive pieces that only exist in the Kingdom," Alajlan said.

She added that one of the things that contribute most to strengthening the name of Saudi designers is their uniqueness and distinctive spirit, whether it is through traditional fashion, or merging traditional fashion with modern, or even by creating a new style for each one of them.

"If creativity exists, people will be interested, and the artist's name will reach more people interested in creativity outside the country," she noted.