Meet the Saudi Designer Behind Katy Perry’s Bespoke Joy Awards Gown

When Katy Perry stepped onto Riyadh’s annual Joy Awards red carpet over the weekend, she did so making a homegrown couture statement. The custom look, titled ‘Mother Pearl’, was created by none other than Riyadh-based designer Waad Aloqaili.

The gown formed part of the Yamal Collection, a body of work that takes inspiration from the Saudi Sea. Echoing the chants of the Saudi pearl divers, Yamal was born from the rhythm that shaped the sandy shores, a dialogue between heritage and creation. From the ocean to the couture runway, the Saudi designer debuted the Yamal Collection during Riyadh Fashion Week SS26.

The collaboration came together through Perry’s stylist, Heather Picchiottino, unfolding through considered fittings, a process that truly reflected the Waad Aloqaili design language. Katy’s gown, meticulously formed from hand-crafted mother-of-pearl laminate, is a wearable pearl from the sea.

Constructed from hundreds of individual layers of laminate that are cut, polished and finished off with pearlescent sanding, it’s a piece that mimics art rather than just a dress. A process of craftsmanship and patience, ‘Mother Pearl’ is one of the many Waad Aloqaili pieces that shine among a sea of other gowns.

Founded in 2019 alongside her sister Ahlman Aloqaili, Waad Aloqaili Couture was built on a shared vision of timeless elegance, female empowerment and modern Saudi luxury.

Since its launch, Waad Aloqaili Couture has become a familiar name on international red carpets. The Waad Aloqaili creations have been worn by Grace Elizabeth, who stepped onto the 2025 Cannes Film Festival red carpet in a stunning embellished pink gown, Candice Swanepoel, who wore a baby-pink tulle design for a cover shoot and Louise Wong, who chose Aloqaili for the 43rd annual Hong Kong Film Awards.

Yet, before international stars discovered this rising Middle Eastern talent, Aloqaili’s designers were already favoured by regional names including Dorra Zarrouk and Rose Al Bander at the 2025 Red Sea Film Festival, Ajwa Aljoudi at the 2025 Joy Awards and Huda El Mufti at this year’s Joy Awards.

A celebratory moment for both the designer and Katy, the international superstar shared, “This is actually a Saudi Arabian designer from Riyadh. Her name is Waad Aloqaili, and I wanted to wear a local designer to celebrate the local culture.”

For Aloquaili, it was a moment that extended beyond visibility. “Seeing the piece worn with such clarity and respect reinforced my belief in patience, discipline, and integrity as the true foundations of couture,” she said. “It was equally rewarding to collaborate within a process that valued the craft and the work behind it.”

As Saudi fashion continues to define its place on the global stage, Waal’s philosophy remains clear: that recognition will come through disciplined couture, a strong creative identity and valuing precision over volume.