The beauty of Saudi Arabia’s desert, flowers and stars are at the core of adidas’s new activewear collection. In partnership with Jeddah-born artist Raghad Al-Ahmad, Bloom Sky is a collection designed to champion the intricacies of the Saudi landscape, and curate high-quality sportswear apparel that provides coverage without compromising on performance or style. Inspired by the Saudi desert blooms, vibrant flowers and stars, the collection embodies a sense of freedom, movement, and self-expression.
Rooted in freedom, diversity and cultural identity, Raghad brings this collection to life with unwavering creative vision. As an artist, Raghad is already accustomed to expressing herself through her work, and aims for this new collection to reflect the wider identity of her Kingdom. The Bloom Sky Collection is a refreshing homage to Saudi roots, with Raghad drawing upon her own memories and experiences to create each design. Be it the Taif’s mountains, King Khaled’s poetry or her own father, Raghad has woven together the most cherished parts of her cultural identity into this exciting partnership with adidas as an ultimate celebration of diversity.
The collection features functional unisex pieces in various colourways such as pants, shorts sweaters, jackets, hoodies, and t-shirts along with women’s modest wear pieces such as an abaya and hijab.
Read our exclusive interview with Raghad Al-Ahmad below
Cosmo ME: What inspired you to incorporate elements of Saudi desert blooms, vibrant flowers, and stars into the Bloom Sky Collection?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: With a rich background in interior design, I drew inspiration from the architecture and poetry of Saudi royals, deeply rooted in our culture and nature. This led to the creation of the poetic “Bloom Sky” collection, blending traditional elegance with contemporary artistry.
Cosmo ME: How did you balance the artistic vision of the collection with adidas’s focus on performance and functionality in activewear?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: Art lies within design, and design lies within art. As a designer who has just opened my own studio to create beautifully artistic spaces, our goal is to craft functional and compelling stories for the consumer. Collaborating with the team at adidas, we have strived to create lifestyle activewear that people will enjoy wearing not just for workouts but also as everyday casual outfits.
Cosmo ME: Can you describe the process of translating your artistic perspective into the designs of the Bloom Sky Collection?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: My process involves analyzing and absorbing the culture we live in, then translating it into a contemporary language that everyone can understand and relate to. As an Arab, I have grown up in a culture where poetry is a significant form of expression. I remember my grandmother always reading poems she had written, and my mother, who loved collecting poetry books. The royal family often writes poems, which are sometimes turned into songs. I am particularly inspired by King Khaled’s poetry and his vivid descriptions of the natural world around him.
Cosmo ME: What was it like working with adidas to bring your cultural and artistic vision to an international audience?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: I was amazed by the adidas team’s curiosity and their ability to adopt my culture in many ways, translating it into a product that everyone appreciates. The team paid attention to every detail, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Cosmo ME: How do you think the inclusion of modest wear pieces, like the abaya, enhances the collection’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: I believe we need to respect and integrate cultural elements into our collection. By including modestwear, we can connect with individuals who value this aspect of their culture, creating a complete experience. As a designer who wears abayas daily and strives to be modest through layering and matching, I understand the importance of these elements. Adding them to our collection will have a significant impact, allowing us to craft something that truly resonates with the culture we are embracing.
Cosmo ME: In what ways do you hope this collaboration will impact the representation of Saudi artists and the broader conversation around cultural identity in fashion?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: I hope we incorporate more roots and identity into everyday life, inspiring other brands to collaborate with individuals who have genuine stories to share.
Cosmo ME: Can you share any personal experiences or stories that influenced the design elements of the Bloom Sky Collection?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: My dad, an adventurer, retired from flight maintenance and began exploring Saudi Arabia in his motorhome. He opened a gateway to the country’s wonderful nature, camping amid the desert’s beauty. He introduced me to the captivating Saudi lavender flowers, showing his happiness surrounded by them in the desert. We found inspiration in the contrast between the sand’s color and the vibrant lavender. Thank you, Dad (Ali Alahmed).
Cosmo ME: How do you envision the Bloom Sky Collection empowering individuals and reflecting their unique cultural backgrounds?
Raghad Al-Ahmad: Everyone can bloom. Now is your moment—don’t wait. The struggle and confusion are real, but don’t let them drain you. Open that shop, start that blog, design your collection, launch that bakery. Pursue your dreams, nourish yourself with knowledge and wisdom, and truly bloom. Even deserts have flowers—there’s always a place to bloom, no matter how barren it seems.
For me, connecting with my identity and roots boosts my confidence. Whether it’s climbing Taif’s mountains or inhaling the scent of my grandpa’s roses, these memories ignite my creativity and bring me to life.
The adidas Bloom Sky Collection is available for purchase at select adidas stores worldwide and online at adidas.com starting Sunday, September 1st, 2024.