Yahya al-Bishri: re-designing Saudi Couture

Yahya al-Bishri

Modesty and conformity are the hallmarks of Saudi society - and this is reflected in Saud fashion.

But Yahya al-Bishri is on a mission to change all that.

Ever since al-Bishri returned home after studying fashion design in France and Italy sixteen years ago he's been on a one-man mission to jazz up Saudi couture.

But as George Arney discovered Yahya al-Bishri's designs haven't always been so popular

Listen Hear the Outlook interview

A model wearing one of Yahya al-Bishri's designs

One of Yahya al-Bishri's greatest successes has been the re-design of the thobe- that's the ankle-length white robe traditionally worn by virtually all Saudi men. Yayha's thobes and other clothes are now worn by the Saudi king himself.