Saudi by Zeina: Super Fly Fits

If there’s one thing Zeina Kilani knows, it’s that fashion is about more than what you wear, it’s the first way to make an impression and express your personality. Born and raised in the sunny Red Sea city of Jeddah – one of the Kingdom’s most cosmopolitan and diverse cities – Zeina brings a down-to-earth, Saudi flavor to the boldest new fits.

Zeina chatted with us about the difference between fashion stylists and designers, why she launched her own label, and how to find your best look, the one that makes you so uniquely you.

Hi Zeina! Looking stylish as usual! Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

Thank you, and hello, Truly Saudi! I’m Zeina Kilani, a fashion stylist based in Saudi. My work is all about telling a story with colors, fabrics, and contrasts. It’s about looking fashionable and also bringing out the very best of the people who put their trust in me to style them.

First things first, what exactly is a fashion stylist and how are they different from a designer?

Frankly, there’s a lot of overlap in what we do and the spaces we move in, so stylists and designers are often working hand in hand. I like to think of designers as dreamers, or inventors, bringing completely new ideas to life and seeing what works on the runway before it can hit stores. My job as a stylist is to bring these designs to life. So, I put together clothes, jewelry, hairstyle, makeup, and shoes – never underestimate the shoes! – to make an outfit from head to toe that makes the wearer shine.

We love the way you make completely different looks from a single garment on your socials. Can you explain your process?

Stylists are always on the lookout for new ways to express yourself, but we also live in the real world. So, I like to show people how you can make so many different outfits out of just a few high-quality pieces of clothing. For instance, in one of my videos, I took a chic, understated black blazer and styled for different potential occasions. For Paris Fashion Week, I paired it with a white maxi skirt and some silver bangles, so I got a nice silver-screen style. For Milan Fashion Week, I secured the blazer with chunky leather belt and these gorgeous green sequin slacks, sort of evoking the Mediterranean. And finally, for Riyadh Fashion Week, I went for an elaborate, Cleopatra-style necklace and a flowing, patterned abaya in Saudi green.

How did you get your start?

I’ve always been fascinated by how people choose to represent themselves in their clothing. My earliest memories are of family gatherings, where all my curiosity was directed at what my aunts and cousins were wearing, how it fit, how the fabric flowed, and that made me want to experiment with my own style. I didn’t formally study fashion, but as I grew up and realized that my passion could actually be a career, I dedicated myself to this full-time. I started styling brides-to-be for their big day, and a few years – and lots of hard work – later, I’m backstage at Riyadh Fashion Week, making sure the models are ready for the runway.

Talk to us about Saudi designs, what makes them unique? 

To me, Saudi fashion is understated when it needs to be, but also not afraid of a little luxury, whether it’s some intricate jewelry, or beautiful fabrics that anyone with eye for fashion can tell is a statement. As Saudi Arabia’s fashion scene keeps evolving, the designs tell a story all on their own: modest and rooted in tradition, while also modern and open to the world in its influences and look. Anyone interested in fashion needs to see what’s happening in Saudi and so quickly too!

Feels like you’re in so many places at once these days, how’s the Saudi fashion scene looking from your perspective?

On a personal level, it’s been nice to see so many creative people come back home and start making their names internationally from here. The evolution has been so beautiful to see, and I’m so happy that Saudi is finally getting some real fashion cred.  This year’s Riyadh Fashion Week was a case in point. I was working with my friend, Riyadh born-and-raised designer Tala Abukhaled, who was showing her brand, Rebirth. Her style is so timeless and cosmopolitan, but as the models walked down the runway in the beautiful grounds at Tuwaiq Palace, there was no doubt in my mind that I was looking at Saudi designs.

So, now that we’ve explained what a fashion stylist does, can you tell us about Sun Culture?

It’s my own fashion label! So, yeah, I’ve also started designing now… Sorry for the confusion! Sun Culture is sort of a love letter to my upbringing by the sea in Jeddah. It’s all about resort wear that evoke sun, sea, and sand, with simple patterns and luxurious fabrics that both look good and feel good. I like to think you can easily spend a day on the beach, slip a Sun Culture sundress or kimono on, and feel completely at home at a chic bistro.

You’re also a big advocate of ethical fashion. Tell us about how that makes a difference.

My work brings me in contact with all sorts of brands, from couture to ready-to-wear, but I truly believe that fashion has a responsibility to be more sustainable and ethical. Nothing makes me happier than circular fashion – finding a vintage piece that just sparks inspiration is one of the real joys of styling. I like to know where my clothes come from, who’s making them, and that they make a positive impact on the people who craft them.

Lastly, what advice do you have for someone looking to curate their own style?

Start by knowing yourself. Choose pieces that resonate with your personality, and don’t be afraid of contrast or mixing styles. Authenticity always wins, so put down the phone and see what works with your figure, your skin tone, your taste. Trust me, you know you better than anyone.

Watch Zeina’s story to learn all about how Saudi style is taking centerstage.

Explore more real stories and bold creators shaping the future on Truly Saudi.