Saudi Fashion Commission Showcases Heritage-Inspired Designs at Expo 2025 Osaka

Courtesy of SPA

Osaka, July 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Saudi Fashion Commission presented a comprehensive day of programming at Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and investment in its fashion sector through exhibitions and panel discussions at the Saudi Pavilion.

The event featured a panel session on the intersection of tradition and innovation in fashion, followed by an exhibition of ten garments created under two of the commission’s key initiatives. The programming was designed to underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural preservation and the development of creative industries in line with Vision 2030.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, stated that the commission’s role is “to foster meaningful exchange,” emphasizing how Saudi designers are building narratives grounded in heritage while engaging global audiences seeking authenticity and innovation.

During the panel, participants discussed the influence of culture on creative expression. Japanese designer Okuda noted shared values between Saudi and Japanese fashion traditions, including attention to detail, respect for craftsmanship, and purpose-driven creation.

The fashion exhibition showcased designs from two of the commission’s major initiatives. The first, Saudi Heritage Revival, was developed in partnership with Swarovski and tasked 26 designers with reinterpreting elements of Saudi heritage using sustainable fashion techniques. Designers integrated Swarovski’s revived crystals into garments that blended traditional patterns with modern silhouettes.

The winning designer received a residency at Dar Al Hanouf, while the top five were nominated for an international academic competition by Swarovski.

The second initiative, Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion, brought together 25 participants earlier in 2025 for hands-on workshops focused on local architecture, heritage crafts, and traditional garments. Each participant created a heritage-inspired design updated for contemporary presentation. The selected pieces were initially unveiled during the Saudi Cup and are now being shown on the international stage in Osaka.

Both programs fall under the commission’s Education and Talent Development track, which supports skills transfer, cultural knowledge preservation, and sustainable career pathways for emerging Saudi designers.

Visitors at the pavilion engaged with members of the Fashion Commission and explored the garments, which were presented not just as fashion pieces but as cultural artifacts. Each design told a personal narrative, linking Saudi identity with global relevance.

The Fashion Commission’s activities at Expo 2025 reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position the creative industries as an essential part of national development. Through mentorship, education, and international visibility, the commission aims to build a resilient fashion ecosystem rooted in Saudi culture and designed for a global future.