The Saudi-born designer is the creative force behind SULITUDE, a brand that champions solitude as self-awareness, strength, and identity rather than isolation. The label is known for bold, all-black, unisex designs that balance art and wearability. Each piece is a statement, with strong shapes, layered forms, and sculptural details. SULITUDE draws inspiration from Saudi heritage, modern culture, and global fashion, transforming traditional elements into contemporary designs.
Esquire meets the Saudi designer to explore his philosophy, his sculptural creations, and his vision for Saudi fashion’s future.
ESQUIRE: You’ve built SULITUDE around the idea that solitude is power, not isolation. When did you realise this personally?
Mohammed Sultan: For creative people, solitude isn’t a weakness; it’s when ideas crystallise. Everyone experiences it differently. Some find it in quiet mornings with coffee, others through movement like walking or exercise, which releases energy and sparks ideas.
For me, it’s mostly at night. A calm space, soft music, and silence allow me to think deeply and shape ideas. Many of my creative thoughts begin in those moments. Solitude, I realised, isn’t isolation; it’s where identity and creativity grow strongest.
ESQUIRE: The brand is almost entirely black. In a region known for colour, why this choice?
MS: I see the region as one that values creativity and storytelling. People here don’t just buy a piece of clothing; they connect with the story behind it. Black became SULITUDE’s language because it allows the design’s idea and emotion to speak clearly. It removes distraction and highlights shape, structure, and character. SULITUDE isn’t about mystery for its own sake; it’s about expressing a personal story through design. The real value lies in story and identity, not just colour.
ESQUIRE: Saudi fashion is evolving rapidly. What still needs to change for designers to compete globally?
MS: We are at a moment of opportunity. Every region has had its time to shine in fashion, and Saudi Arabia is now entering that stage, backed by the Fashion Commission and Ministry of Culture.
We’ve seen designers present strong collections and gain global attention. The next step is consistency, a strong brand identity, and presenting culture through a modern lens. If designers stay authentic while thinking globally, Saudi fashion can become a powerful international voice.
ESQUIRE: Your pieces feel sculptural. Where do you draw inspiration?
MS: Travel is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and observing traditions always sparks ideas for me. Every destination has its own visual language, from architecture to daily life. Those moments often inspire me to open my sketchbook and spend hours exploring new creative directions.
ESQUIRE: Tell us about your latest collection.
MS: Designers always fall in love with their newest work, and I’m no exception. Each collection reflects where I am creatively at that moment. Our latest collection debuted at Riyadh Fashion Week, a milestone for SULITUDE. For me, this collection will always represent the moment SULITUDE stepped into a new level of visibility and recognition.
ESQUIRE: SULITUDE balances art and wearability. Which wins: expression or practicality?
MS: Both must coexist. Expression starts the idea, but wearability allows people to connect with it. I begin with a strong story but always consider movement, feel, and how someone will live in the piece. The goal is designs that are expressive and powerful, yet wearable.
ESQUIRE: Saudi fashion and culture are evolving fast. How do you view this progress?
MS: The new generation of designers is entering an exciting moment. The fashion ecosystem is growing, with more platforms, support programmes, fashion weeks, and international exposure, aided by the Fashion Commission.
This opens opportunities to build brands locally and present Saudi creativity globally. Designers now have access to education, global connections, and industry support that didn’t exist before. The challenge is to use these opportunities to create strong, lasting brands.
ESQUIRE: Where do you see SULITUDE and Saudi fashion in five years?
MS: I see SULITUDE developing a stronger international identity while staying true to its philosophy. The goal is to continue producing distinctive collections on global platforms and offer a unique Saudi voice to the international fashion conversation, blending storytelling, bold design, and cultural perspective.