For the first time, Saudi Arabia is set to stage an official ‘Saudi Fashion Week’ from October 20 to 23, 2023, in the nation’s capital, Riyadh. The event, announced by the Saudi Fashion Commission, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the country’s fashion industry.
The Saudi Fashion Commission recently showcased its vision in the ‘Saudi 100 Brands’ exhibition in Paris. This event presented an extensive collection of fashion items and accessories by numerous established and emerging designers. These brands have participated in international fashion weeks in cities like Paris and Milan, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning presence in the global fashion community.
The planned Saudi Fashion Week will feature collections from a diverse range of designers participating in the Fashion Commission’s Saudi 100 Brands program. These designers span various age groups, educational backgrounds, and genders, with female designers making up 85% of the participants. The event will provide a platform to present ten different design categories, from ready-to-wear to footwear.
According to Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, this historic event invites the global fashion community to experience Saudi Arabian creativity firsthand. “Saudi fashion brands have already participated in Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks to showcase their talent on the global stage, impressing fashion professionals and enthusiasts around the world,” he said.
On the sidelines of the Fashion Week announcement, the Commission released its first comprehensive report, the ‘State of Fashion in the Kingdom.’ This report provides a detailed analysis of Saudi Arabia’s fashion landscape and growth potential.
The ‘State of Fashion in the Kingdom 2023’ report anticipates robust growth for the fashion sector, with retail fashion sales expected to rise by 48% from 2021 to 2025, reaching a value of $32 billion. This projected growth rate, representing an annual increase of 13%, will likely be driven by the expanding Saudi economy and growing population.
In the realm of luxury fashion, Saudi Arabia significantly contributed to the $9.6 billion total spent in the GCC in 2021, posting a growth rate of 19%.
While Saudi Arabia currently imports more than $7 billion in fashion products annually, the domestic industry’s maturation presents opportunities for manufacturers, logistics providers, and specialist machinery suppliers.
Cakmak views the situation optimistically, stating, “The ‘State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ report tangibly demonstrates the scale of the opportunity that now exists for Saudi Arabia’s emerging domestic fashion industry.”
This development aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and boost cultural and artistic production in a nation with a notably young population. The Saudi Fashion Commission was established two years ago as part of this effort.
As Saudi Arabia anticipates the inaugural fashion week, the commission will continue promoting Saudi designers at international stages, including the Paris haute couture season, featuring talents such as Mona Alshebil, Hindamme, Charmaleena, Chador, Atelier Hekayat, and Abadia.
This upcoming fashion season is expected to be a remarkable affair, signifying Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the global fashion industry.
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