About
Yahya developed a love for literature and poetry, which eventually led him into journalism. In early 1986, Yahya discovered fashion and he grew to be so deeply passionate about the industry that he decided to try to make a career out of it, more importantly to bring the industry into the Saudi Kingdom. Initially he studied in Italy from where he went to Paris, and it was at the Paris American Academy from which he graduated.
A pivotal point in his career came when he was commissioned to design a dress for the late HRH Princess Diana.
In 1990 he opened his Fashion House, Yahya Couture in Jeddah and this was where he initially restricted to designing bridal and woman’s evening wear couture.
Paris & Milan: Foundations of a Designer 1980s
In the late 1980s, Yahya Al-Bashri moved to Europe to pursue his passion for fashion at the Paris American Academy and in Milan. Immersed in the world’s fashion capitals, he mastered precision tailoring, draping, and the artistry of haute couture. During this time, he apprenticed with the prestigious French fashion house Jean-Louis Scherrer, where he refined his skills in couture construction, fabric selection, and hand-finishing, Lessons that became the DNA of his work. Early collaborations with renowned ateliers further shaped his ability to merge structured silhouettes with intricate detailing, setting the stage for his own brand.
The First House 1990s
The door opens on his own fashion house in Jeddah: YAHYA Couture. Bridal and eveningwear become a laboratory for hand embroidery and fluent silhouettes; soon. The signature emerges, craft at the surface, architecture underneath.
Paris Fashion Week: Breaking New Ground 1990s
From the 1990s onward, Yahya became a familiar name on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, year after year presenting collections that blended Eastern elegance with Western couture techniques. As one of the first Saudi designers to be recognized on this world stage, his shows drew the attention of international press and fashion houses, making him a cultural ambassador for Saudi style in the heart of Paris.
A Designer for Royalty
Over the decades, Yahya became a trusted name among royal circles across the Middle East and beyond. He designed for King Charles III (then Prince Charles), King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and the late Princess Diana. His work also dressed members of royal families in the Gulf, Asia, and Europe, cementing his reputation as a designer whose creations carried both cultural respect and international prestige.
Transforming Saudi Menswear 2000s
In addition to couture gowns, Yahya revolutionized the Saudi thobe and men’s formalwear by introducing richer fabrics, embroidery, and modern tailoring techniques. This innovation challenged the perception of traditional menswear, making it a canvas for high design while preserving its cultural essence.
International Recognition & Cultural Diplomacy
His designs graced international runways, exhibitions, and high-profile events. In 2022, a midnight-blue Saudi daqlah he created was worn by Queen Camilla (then Duchess of Cornwall) during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, broadcast globally. It was a moment that showcased Saudi craftsmanship to millions and highlighted Yahya’s role in cultural diplomacy through fashion.
The Dream: Riyadh Fashion Week 2024/2025
After decades of building his career on the world stage, Yahya fulfilled a lifelong ambition — to present his work in Saudi Arabia.
His 2024 collection, a tribute to “love and freedom,” marked not only a return to his home country’s runway but also a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a fashion capital.