Shalky Fashion House and the U.S. Embassy Celebrate the Intersection of Fashion and Cinema in Riyadh

Riyadh – Saudi Arabia, 26 – 09- 2025

In a remarkable cultural collaboration, the U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia partnered with Shalky Fashion House to host an exclusive event titled “Cinema and Fashion”, spotlighting the artistic synergy between the worlds of film and fashion. The evening took place at the elegant Shalky showroom in the heart of Riyadh, transforming the iconic fashion house into a vibrant hub of creative dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.

The event welcomed an esteemed audience, including His Excellency the American Cultural Attaché, a distinguished delegation from the U.S. Embassy, and a constellation of Saudi designers, artists, filmmakers, and industry professionals.

Hollywood costume designer Katina Le Kerr, known for her work on internationally acclaimed films, headlined the seminar. With decades of experience shaping characters through costume, Le Kerr offered a captivating keynote on how fashion influences cinematic storytelling—from defining a character’s identity to mirroring emotional arcs and societal trends.

“Costume design is not just about dressing actors,” she shared. “It’s about building believable worlds and enhancing narrative depth through every stitch, silhouette, and texture.”

Joining her was Saudi Arabia’s own Qassem Al-Qassem, the visionary designer behind Shalky. Renowned for redefining traditional Saudi attire with modern flair, Al-Qassem explored the artistry behind fabric choice, color dynamics, and cultural storytelling through design. He emphasized how fabric becomes a canvas of expression, saying, “The soul of any design begins with the fabric. Silk, linen, wool—they each carry a visual and emotional weight that transforms how colors are perceived and how garments move.”

Together, the two designers offered a compelling cross-continental conversation on the evolving dialogue between fashion and film—how each art form shapes and inspires the other, and how cultural identity is expressed and preserved through both mediums.

The event underscored the power of cultural diplomacy and creative collaboration, leaving attendees with a renewed appreciation for the magic that happens when fashion meets the silver screen.