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Saudi Tailor Yousef Tammar Enrolls at Italy's Renowned Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori
At 23 years old, Tammar combines traditional Saudi craftsmanship with contemporary fashion education in Italy.
Yousef Tammar, a 23-year-old bespoke tailor from Saudi Arabia, is currently enrolled at the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori in Rome, Italy.
The institution, which boasts a history dating back to 1575, is one of the oldest tailoring academies in the world.
Tammar's journey into the realm of fashion began at the age of 14, driven initially by a desire to dress well in social contexts.
His interest was further cultivated through YouTube, where he discovered diverse men’s fashion content.
Through his experiences, he identified fashion as a medium for self-expression and community connection.
Raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tammar’s initial experience with clothing was primarily shaped by traditional garments, particularly the thobe, which is a staple of Saudi men's fashion.
He observed that diverging from these norms could be met with scrutiny.
A turning point for Tammar occurred during a family trip to Italy prior to his final year of high school.
This trip included a visit to Fortela, a tailoring shop in Forte dei Marmi, where he met Alessandro Squarzi, the shop's owner.
The encounter ignited his passion for bespoke tailoring and artisanal garment-making.
Tammar’s decision to study in Italy was influenced by the availability of specialized courses in pattern-making and sewing, aligned with his interests.
He described Italy as having a unique cultural aura that resonates with fashion.
His experience at the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori has been instrumental in shaping his approach to tailoring.
Tammar has noted the contrast between the Italian focus on handcrafting and the mass production of garments he observed in Saudi Arabia’s tailoring outlets.
He highlighted that Saudi Arabian fashion trends are often based on traditional styles, which sometimes restrict innovation.
Despite the challenges in studying abroad, including mastering the Italian language and adapting to a rigorous schedule that can involve long hours, Tammar has found the educational experience rewarding.
One notable achievement was designing a daglah for the Harrod’s Hive 2025 event in Riyadh.
This project allowed him to combine his cultural heritage with his growing expertise in tailoring.
Looking to the future, Tammar envisions establishing his own bespoke tailoring shop in Saudi Arabia, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern designs.
He advocates for a fashion landscape in Saudi Arabia that emphasizes local production and sustainable practices.
Emphasizing an adaptive style, Tammar seeks to inspire future generations of Saudi designers.
He advises aspiring tailors to commit fully to their ambitions and embrace change as an essential factor in a swiftly evolving industry, while also underlining the importance of sustainable fashion practices.
Tammar's journey reflects a synthesis of cultural influences and a dedication to fostering a new era of fashion in Saudi Arabia.
The institution, which boasts a history dating back to 1575, is one of the oldest tailoring academies in the world.
Tammar's journey into the realm of fashion began at the age of 14, driven initially by a desire to dress well in social contexts.
His interest was further cultivated through YouTube, where he discovered diverse men’s fashion content.
Through his experiences, he identified fashion as a medium for self-expression and community connection.
Raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tammar’s initial experience with clothing was primarily shaped by traditional garments, particularly the thobe, which is a staple of Saudi men's fashion.
He observed that diverging from these norms could be met with scrutiny.
A turning point for Tammar occurred during a family trip to Italy prior to his final year of high school.
This trip included a visit to Fortela, a tailoring shop in Forte dei Marmi, where he met Alessandro Squarzi, the shop's owner.
The encounter ignited his passion for bespoke tailoring and artisanal garment-making.
Tammar’s decision to study in Italy was influenced by the availability of specialized courses in pattern-making and sewing, aligned with his interests.
He described Italy as having a unique cultural aura that resonates with fashion.
His experience at the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori has been instrumental in shaping his approach to tailoring.
Tammar has noted the contrast between the Italian focus on handcrafting and the mass production of garments he observed in Saudi Arabia’s tailoring outlets.
He highlighted that Saudi Arabian fashion trends are often based on traditional styles, which sometimes restrict innovation.
Despite the challenges in studying abroad, including mastering the Italian language and adapting to a rigorous schedule that can involve long hours, Tammar has found the educational experience rewarding.
One notable achievement was designing a daglah for the Harrod’s Hive 2025 event in Riyadh.
This project allowed him to combine his cultural heritage with his growing expertise in tailoring.
Looking to the future, Tammar envisions establishing his own bespoke tailoring shop in Saudi Arabia, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern designs.
He advocates for a fashion landscape in Saudi Arabia that emphasizes local production and sustainable practices.
Emphasizing an adaptive style, Tammar seeks to inspire future generations of Saudi designers.
He advises aspiring tailors to commit fully to their ambitions and embrace change as an essential factor in a swiftly evolving industry, while also underlining the importance of sustainable fashion practices.
Tammar's journey reflects a synthesis of cultural influences and a dedication to fostering a new era of fashion in Saudi Arabia.
