SPOTLIGHT: How Saudi Label Nakhlah Gives the Kaftan a Modern Makeover

CairoScene

7 hours ago

Heritage runs deep at Nakhlah — but so does a modern eye for drama, modesty, and elegance. That's what drew celebrities like Cindy Bruna, Winnie Harlow, and Princess Nora Al Faisal to the brand.
Under the Spotlight
The heritage-driven abayas and kaftans of Saudi label Nakhlah.
The Setting
The storied landscapes of Saudi Arabia.
The Frame
Fluid silhouettes, earthy tones, and intricate embroidery come together in structured kaftans and softly draped abayas, adorned with handmade motifs that echo nature and tradition.
Nakhlah in Three Words
'Artistic. Timeless. Cultural,' says founder Nora Al Hudaib.
About the Founder
Nora Al Hudaib grew up between two contrasting yet complementary worlds: the palm-filled heritage of Al Hasa and the cosmopolitan pulse of Al Khobar. That duality - between rooted tradition and a modern global outlook - shapes everything she creates. 'The diversity in Al Khobar inspired me deeply,' she explains, 'especially seeing how even international visitors were fascinated by our traditional and modern Saudi attire.' Self-taught and instinctive, Al Hudaib launched Nakhlah at just eighteen, sketching designs by hand and sourcing fabrics that conveyed a sense of grounded luxury. 'I have always been deeply inspired by our rich Saudi and Arab heritage, especially in fashion,' she reflects. 'From a young age, my mother instilled in us a strong appreciation for style—teaching us how to pair colors, choose the right pieces, and understand the beauty of our cultural roots.'
The Muse
Al Hudaib draws inspiration from a wide range of sources - natural landscapes, architecture, even the movement of fabric itself. 'I find beauty in the smallest things,' she says. 'It could be the texture of a rock, the grace of a camel, or the shadows cast by palm trees.' This attentiveness translates into pieces that carry emotional weight and cultural depth, each one telling a story through its colour, fabric, and silhouette. 'The palm tree has always been a symbol of resilience, versatility, and abundance in our culture,' she says, explaining the meaning behind the brand's name and its recurring motif. 'It's a source of sustenance, shelter, and beauty; everything in it serves a purpose.' That clarity of vision has caught the attention of global names like Cindy Bruna, Winnie Harlow, and Princess Nora Al Faisal. 'I never actively sent my pieces to anyone,' Al Hudaib shares. 'When figures like Cindy Bruna or Winnie Harlow wore my designs, it was completely organic. That kind of recognition means so much because it's real.'
Nora Al Hudaib's Signature Piece 'This particular abaya blends striped fabric with a handmade nakhlah (or palm tree) embroidery. Its heritage-inspired jalabiya cut adds timeless elegance, and the intricate stitching highlights cultural identity and craftsmanship.'
Who is Nakhlah for?
Nakhlah is designed for women who value heritage without being bound by it. They wear kaftans not only for special occasions but as part of their personal style - whether that's expressed through dramatic silhouettes or refined, minimal designs with quiet embroidery.
The Designs Through Her Lens Every Nakhlah piece begins with a fabric. From there, Al Hudaib strives for balance - between structure and fluidity, drama and subtlety. 'When I go bold with the cut, I keep the color muted. When I use a bold color, I tone down the structure,' she explains. The result is a line of kaftans that move with grace, holding their shape while feeling effortless. 'I express power, consistency, and art through the combination of cuts, fabrics, and colours in my designs.' Some pieces lean into opulence - hand-embroidered kaftans with wide sleeves and rich embellishments. Others embrace a quieter aesthetic, using airy, light-reflective fabrics that shimmer with movement.
'I also enjoy incorporating elements like palm trees and camels, which further celebrate the richness of our heritage in a modern and artistic way,' she says. 'The hardest part was finding fabrics that matched what I envisioned, but when I see a finished piece come together and watch people connect with it, that's everything.' In Her Own Words 'People are drawn to what feels unique. My kaftans are rooted in our culture, but they also carry artistic elements from different influences, so they resonate beyond just one region.'
The Verdict Nakhlah's magic lies in balance - heritage you can wear without feeling tethered to the past. Whether through hand-stitched palm tree motifs or the interplay of bold stripes and airy silhouettes, every piece is built on intention.