Saudi fashion bloggers revive tips, tricks and regional styles

Since many young Saudis are interested in fashion, numerous young Saudi women run blogs discussing the latest trends. These bloggers review clothes, makeup, hairstyles and how to beautify one’s self.

Ayah Al-Ruwais, 20, is a college student and has been blogging with her sister since 2008. In February 2012, Al-Ruwais launched her own blog under the pen name Ayah Bader.

“I opted to become a blogger as I wanted an outlet to write and express myself. I chose to write about fashion, along with many other topics, as it’s something that interests me as well as being a versatile topic to write about,” said Al-Ruwais.

Al-Ruwais posts weekly tips about fashion, some of which are written in Arabic. She aims to become a well-known and highly respected architect, and wants to be on Forbes’ list of most powerful women.

Danya Ismail, a 25-year-old Saudi marketing executive, started blogging about fashion four years ago. Her readership is generally made up of creative people who think out of the box. “I love people who stand out and people who don’t blend with the crowd,” she said.

“I do not consider myself a fashion blogger. I see myself as a lifestyle blogger who happens to love fashion. For this year, I am working on posts focusing on living a minimalist lifestyle,” she added.

Some fashion bloggers assume that there are differences between fashion blogs run by Arabs and those operated by Westerners. However, others believe both are similar. “I notice that non-Arab blogs tend to be more editorial while Arab blogs are more personal and informal. I prefer the style of Arab blogs,” said Ismail.

“I think the only difference is in language,” said Al-Ruwais. “This is the case unless it’s a personal blog in which outfits are showcased. There are more Western bloggers who run personal style blogs than there are Arabs doing the same,” she added.

“Having a blog isn’t easy. People need to manage their time and try to balance blogging with work, college and one’s personal life. Then there is the aspect of choosing themes, logos and banner designs, deciding what to write and editing photos etc. It is all quite hard but it is worth it in the end. Through blogging, I have been invited to events and met a lot of wonderful people from bloggers and fashion designers to business owners and photographers,’’ said Al-Ruwais.

Ismail said that not many people knew what blogging was when she first started. “No one knew what the word blog meant. I had a hard time explaining the concept to my readers, friends and family. As for the benefits, thanks to blogging I have met many amazing and influential people,” said Ismail.