JEDDAH: Saudi designer Makram Marzuki, in collaboration with Al-Balad Hospitality, hosted a captivating trunk show at heritage hotel Beit Jokhdar in Al-Balad on May 14-15. The event showcased Marzuki’s latest collection, which draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the historic district of Jeddah. Marzuki’s latest show not only celebrated the beauty of Al-Balad but also offered a glimpse into the designer’s creative process and dedication to preserving Saudi heritage through contemporary fashion. Speaking about the setting of the show, which emphasized telling the story beind the collection, Marzuki expressed his vision of creating a distinctive shopping experience that resonates with the history and essence of Al-Balad. “Understanding the psychology of the Saudi woman who values luxury, we recognize her desire for more than just a generic store,” Marzuki said.  “Our goal is to provide an engaging and enjoyable shopping experience where connections are forged and memories are made. Witnessing women greet each other warmly, sharing stories and embracing the fusion of old and new, reaffirms our belief in bringing the past into the future.” Marzuki revealed that the collection, which features luxurious and refined pieces, is a reflection of the heritage and architectural elements of Al-Balad, such as the intricate designs of “rawasheen” or “roshan,” the patterned wooden frames on windows and balconies. The designer highlighted the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into creating each garment, evoking a sense of quiet luxury that aligns with the ambiance of Beit Jokhdar. “The trunk show and the hotel seamlessly blend together,” he said. “We aimed for an atmosphere of understated elegance, echoing the hotel’s over 100-year-old legacy.”  The designer shared insights into the design process, adding that the collaboration with Samaher Bashammakh from the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts was instrumental in bringing the collection to life as well as ensuring that every detail harmonized with the concept of luxury. “The result is an intimate and luxurious experience, similar to browsing through a woman’s own closet,” he said. “We wanted to create a space that felt personal, where guests could immerse themselves in the brand’s ethos of sophistication and refinement.” A white dress crafted from a luxurious cotton-silk blend and adorned with lace details reminiscent of the graceful lines of the roshan exemplified the fusion of traditional elements with modern design, he said. “Through this collection, we invite our guests to not just wear garments, but to immerse themselves in an experience of a journey through time, culture and elegance.” Speaking about his favorite piece, he said: “The challenge of translating the delicate intricacy of the roshan into velvet jacquard fabric was immense, but the result is truly breathtaking. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that went into every detail. This garment symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation, and it’s truly fantastic to see it come to life.” Reflecting on the event, Marzuki emphasized the importance of storytelling in design and encouraged young designers to delve deep into their inspirations to create meaningful collections. He hinted at a new collection set to launch in October, promising another showcase of exquisite craftsmanship and cultural references.