RIYADH: Narma, the label founded by Saudi designer Nouf Al-Rashed, showcased its inaugural collection, titled Agal, in London this month. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle The womenswear line features the black cord of the agal — the Arab men’s clothing accessory that keeps the ghutrah in place — as a central theme throughout each piece. “The Agal collection is inspired by the rich heritage of the Middle East, particularly the agal, a symbol of honor, pride, and identity,” Al-Rashed told Arab News. “By reimagining this traditional piece, we are blending the past with the present, offering modern fashion that pays homage to our roots while embracing a contemporary, global aesthetic. “While we are not exclusively a womenswear line, in the context of the agal we do feel drawn to highlight it most,” she continued. “Our womenswear line seeks to empower women with designs that are not only luxurious and beautifully crafted but also deeply connected to a meaningful narrative. It’s about sharing heritage and offering elegant pieces with character. Moreover, the collection is a blend of heritages, a concept that resonates deeply with the Narma brand.” The designs prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, moving away from traditional gendered pieces, she explained. “In this collection, the agal — a traditional male accessory — has been transformed into a bold and symbolic design element.  As women were traditionally excluded from the Agal, we wanted to bring in the idea of a woman’s crown. We aimed to share this symbol of honor with a female audience, making it more inclusive and accessible to all,” said Al-Rashed.  Sustainability is also a core principle for Al-Rashed, who is dedicated to crafting durable, ethically-produced ensembles. “We use eco-certified fabrics to ensure our materials are responsibly sourced. We also upcycle dead stock fabrics, minimizing waste and promoting circularity in fashion,” she said. “We work with partners who follow fair labor practices and prioritize minimizing environmental impact. Our designs are optimized to eliminate fabric waste, and we embrace a slow-fashion approach, producing just one carefully curated collection each year. By releasing limited editions, we avoid overproduction and remain true to our sustainable values.” Al-Rashed also revealed the deep influence that her parents have had on her career. Her mother May Aljabr"s philanthropic efforts with the Saudi Cancer Foundation, along with her father Rashed Al-Rashed"s achievements in the world of business, have inspired her to make a meaningful impact in her own right, she said. While the inaugural showing of the Agal collection was in London, Al-Rashed plans to bring it to the Kingdom before the end of the year. “Although the inspiration for the Agal collection is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture, the idea and the brand of Narma were born in London. It felt natural to launch the collection here, in the city that shaped so much of our creative journey. Soon in Riyadh, we will be bringing Narma back to the culture that inspired the collection. “We hope to evoke in all audiences the same sense of playfulness, curiosity, imagination, and lightness that we felt while bringing this collection to life.”