The first-ever Saudi Arabian fashion week will take place in the capital, Riyadh this October. The Saudi Fashion Commission announced the exciting development this week at an event in Paris.
Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, said: “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. For the first time ever, we now invite the fashion community to our home during this historic event. Saudi is on its way to becoming the next international fashion destination.”
The inaugural event will take place from 20th to 23rd October 2023, and is expected to see some of the best brands in the Kingdom come together, with all eyes on participants from the Commission’s Saudi 100 brand programme.
Saudi brands are regularly exhibited as part of Paris Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week, so the move seems like a natural next step for the country.
Indeed, Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry holds the largest projected growth rates of any other large, high-income market, according to the “State of Fashion in the Kingdom 2023” report.
According to the report, from 2021 to 2025, retail fashion sales in Saudi are expected to surge 48% to $32 billion, representing an annual growth rate of 13%.
This growth is expected to be fueled by the Kingdom’s economic expansion and growing population with apparel, accessories, footwear and luxury goods poised for significant gains.
The value of luxury fashion purchases in the GCC hit $9.6 billion in 2021, with Saudi Arabia posting a 19% growth.
