Saudi Arabia, a country known for its rich culture and heritage, is set to host its first-ever fashion week in Riyadh, the capital city, from October 20 to 23, 2023. The event, organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission, will showcase the talents and creativity of 30 local brands, ranging from emerging designers to established labels. The Riyadh Fashion Week aims to promote the growth and development of the Saudi fashion industry, both domestically and internationally, by providing a platform for exposure, networking, and dialogue.
The Riyadh Fashion Week will feature a diverse and dazzling lineup of Saudi brands, such as 1886, Abadia, Adnan Akbar, Arwa Albanawi, Atelier, Hekayat, Dar Alhanouf, Dazluq, Eman Joharji, Fatima AbdulQader, Hajruss, Hala Algharbawi, Honayda, Jubb, Kaf by Kaf, Lomar, Mazroud, MD29, Moja Majka, Mona Alshebil, Nabela Nazar, Noble and Fresh, Not Boring, Nour Dhari, Noura Suliman, Pavone, Tima Abid, Uscita, Yasmina Q, and Yousef Akbar. These brands will present their collections on the runway in front of an audience of celebrities, VIPs, buyers, and industry leaders from around the world. The event will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
The Riyadh Fashion Week will also include a showroom that will display local designs and offer an opportunity for local and international buyers to explore the products and styles offered by the Saudi brands. The showroom will be open throughout the event and will allow the visitors to interact with the designers and learn more about their stories and inspirations.
The Riyadh Fashion Week will kick off with an Opening Gala Dinner on October 20, where over 250 influential figures and key players from the global fashion industry will gather for networking and exchange of ideas. The dinner will also celebrate the achievements and potential of the Saudi fashion scene and its contribution to the cultural and economic development of the country.
The Riyadh Fashion Week is part of the Saudi 100 Brands program, an initiative launched by the Saudi Fashion Commission in June 2023 to support and mentor 100 local fashion brands over a period of 12 months. The program aims to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Saudi fashion products and services and to increase their presence in the local and global markets. The program also provides training, workshops, consultations, and exposure opportunities for the participating brands.
The Saudi Fashion Commission is one of the 11 cultural commissions established by the Ministry of Culture in 2019 to oversee the development of various cultural sectors in Saudi Arabia. The commission is responsible for regulating, supporting, and nurturing the fashion industry in the country and creating a favorable environment for its growth and innovation. The commission is led by Burak Cakmak, a former dean of fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York, who was appointed as the CEO in August 2020.
The Riyadh Fashion Week is a milestone event for Saudi Arabia and its fashion industry. It reflects the country’s vision to diversify its economy and culture and to embrace modernity while preserving its identity. It also demonstrates the country’s commitment to empowering its creative talents and showcasing them to the world. The event is expected to attract attention and interest from both regional and international media and audiences and to position Saudi Arabia as a leading fashion destination in the Middle East.
