A Fashion First: The Global Fashion Summit will take place in Riyadh

As a dynamic and evolving landscape that reflects a blend of traditional influences and contemporary global trends, the Kingdom's fashion scene has been rapidly expanding of late.

And this week, a significant and prestigious fashion event will take place in Riyadh.

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With a growing number of local designers making a mark on the international stage, and being the location of the inaugural and globally recognised Red Sea Fashion Week and the upcoming return of Riyadh Fashion Week in October; Saudi has stepped onto the global stage (catwalk) as a fashion powerhouse, and a nation poised to redefine and challenge the world's knowledge of and perception of Middle Eastern fashion.

In collaboration with Saudi Fashion Commission, the renowned digital fashion publication and trade journal, Women's Wear Daily (WWD) will host the Global Fashion Summit in Riyadh, its first-ever foray into the Middle East.

For years, the Global Fashion Summit has served as a platform for industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators to convene and share ideas. This year's summit in Riyadh promises to be particularly momentous, ushering in a new era of fashion-focused dialogue within the Middle East.

Throughout the day, industry experts, entrepreneurs, fashion designers and creative directors will host a number of workshops and interactive lectures pivoting on topics such as the future of fashion, the use of sustainable or new materials and the significant impact of women on fashion, and within the industry.

Spotlighting Saudi's Growing Fashion Influence

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The selection of Riyadh as the host city for the Global Fashion Summit and the is a powerful testament to the burgeoning influence of the Saudi Arabian fashion scene.

With a youthful and fashion-forward population, Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the global fashion arena. Through discussions and workshops, the summit will delve into this exciting and growing Middle Eastern market, examining how fashion brands can tailor their storytelling to resonate with this vital demographic.

Pivotal Saudi-orientated discussion topics have been confirmed to include: The Luxury E-commerce Landscape and Saudi Consumer with CEO of MyTheresa Michael Kliger and WWD Editorial Director, James Fallon and The Entrepreneurs’ Guide to Success in the Saudi Market and Beyond will hosted by Saudi Arabian Designer, Razan Alazzouni, fellow Saudi founder and CEO of 1886 Fashion, Fahad Aljomiah alongside Mimi Fraser, Managing Director & Board Member, Kayanee and WWD Middle East Bureau Chief, Ritu Upadhyay.

Looking Ahead: Exploring the future of fashion

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The summit's agenda boasts a lineup of thought-provoking discussions centred on the future of fashion. In addition to this, sustainability, a growing priority within the industry, will also be a major focus and topic of conversation. Experts will explore innovative design practices and technologies that are paving the way for a more environmentally conscious fashion future.

The summit will also examine the growing influence of Generations Z and Alpha on fashion trends, and the potential trickle down effect on styling and design for the industry and even in high fashion. Panelists will come together to discuss how the fashion industry can serve and best cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of this digitally-native generation.

Significant Speakers Taking Part

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• Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability & Institutional Affairs Officer, Kering
• Norma Kamali, Entrepreneur & Fashion Designer, Norma Kamali
• Michael Kliger, Chief Executive Officer, Mytheresa
• William McDonough, Chief Executive, McDonough Innovation
• Regina Polanco, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, PYRATEX®
• Fausto Puglisi, Creative Director, Roberto Cavalli
• Sidney Toledano, Senior Advisor to Bernard Arnault, LVMH
• David Vercruysse, President, Managed Companies Vertical, Chalhoub Group
• Razan Alazzouni, Fashion Designer, Razan Alazzouni
• Fahad Aljomiah, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, 1886 Fashion
• Layla Alabdrabalnabi, Head of Research & Innovation, Saudi Fashion Commission
• Miner Asli Kurbay, Managing Director & Partner, BCG 
• Ammar Bogari, General Manager, Saudi Fashion Commission
• Stijn Groenink, Senior Partner & Executive Board Member, Metyis

The Inaugural Fashion Awards

Set to be followed by a star-studded gala, the very first Fashion Awards will take place on the evening of June 6, and will be presented in collaboration with luxury goods retailer Chaloub Group.

Across ten categories, nominees and winners will be recognised for their impact on and dedication to the fashion industry, alongside undeniably talented newcomers and brand's showcasing a genuine commitment to sustainability.

• Saudi Designer of theYear
• International Brand of the Year
• International Designer of the Year
• Top Fashion Stylist
• Top Fashion Photographer
• Best Menswear Brand
• Best Womenswear Brand
• Best Bridal Brand
• Best Jewellery Brand
• Sustainability Award

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June 6, from 10am-11pm
Conference Centre at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh 11659
@fashionmoc @wwd @kafd @burak_ny
events.wwd.com fairchildlive.com