The Saudi Fashion Commission is making waves in the fashion world with plans to launch its first-ever Fashion Week in Riyadh. Scheduled to take place from October 20 to 23, this highly anticipated event follows the success of the Saudi 100 Brands showroom in Paris. The showroom, organized by the state-run Saudi Fashion Commission, showcased the latest fashion collections from both established Saudi brands and emerging talent.
Featuring a diverse range of styles from streetwear to evening wear, the collections presented at the showroom included both women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories. This exhibition demonstrated the breadth and creativity of Saudi fashion and its potential to make an impact on the global fashion stage.
Burak Çakmak, the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, expressed his excitement about the upcoming Fashion Week in Riyadh. He emphasized that Saudi fashion brands have already gained recognition by participating in renowned fashion weeks in Paris and Milan. The Saudi Fashion Week provides an opportunity for the international fashion community to experience Saudi Arabia’s fashion scene firsthand and solidify the country’s position as a rising fashion hotspot.
While Saudi Arabia hosted a fashion season in April 2018, it was a private initiative exclusively for female audiences. The upcoming October season, on the other hand, is expected to be much grander with the official backing of the Saudi Fashion Commission. Established two years ago, the commission plays a key role in the development of artistic and cultural production in Saudi Arabia, encompassing various creative industries such as fine arts, design, film, music, and theatre. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, a long-term project aimed at diversifying and growing the country’s economy, particularly with its young population in mind.
According to the Saudi Fashion Commission, the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia is projected to experience significant growth compared to other large, high-income markets. The “State of Fashion in the Kingdom 2023” report predicts a 48% surge in retail fashion sales from 2021 to 2025, reaching a staggering $32 billion. This growth is expected to be fueled by the country’s expanding economy and population, with particular gains anticipated in the apparel, accessories, footwear, and luxury goods sectors. The commission also highlighted the remarkable growth of the luxury fashion market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with Saudi Arabia alone posting a 19% increase and reaching a value of $9.6 billion in 2021.
In addition to the upcoming Fashion Week, the Saudi Fashion Commission is actively participating in the Paris haute couture season. They will host a salon at the Hotel Marcel Dassault, which will showcase Saudi designers including Mona Alshebil, Hindamme, Charmaleena, Chador, Atelier Hekayat, and Abadia. This salon, taking place from July 3 to 6, serves as another platform for Saudi designers to gain international recognition and further contribute to the growth and development of the Saudi fashion industry.
As the Saudi fashion scene continues to evolve and thrive, the Fashion Week in Riyadh and participation in international events like the Paris haute couture season solidify Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global fashion landscape. These initiatives not only provide a platform for local designers to showcase their talent but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and diversification efforts.
Useful Links:
1. Saudi 100 Brands
2. Saudi Fashion Commission Official Website
