Dubai: Paris Fashion Week, 16 Saudi fashion designers are taking the global stage to present their latest collections. The event, part of an international wholesale exhibition, is a concerted effort by the Saudi Fashion Commission under the banner of Saudi 100 Brands, aiming to spotlight Saudi talent on the international fashion landscape. Notably, this year’s participants are all women-owned and led brands, marking a significant step in promoting gender equality within the industry.
The showcase, held at the historic Les Cordeliers, aligns with the women’s segment of Paris Fashion Week, running until March 1. The event features a blend of fashion shows and social gatherings, aimed at highlighting the cultural and creative richness of Saudi fashion. Designers such as Mona Alshebil, Apoa, and Yasmina Q, among others, have brought their brands to Paris, seeking to captivate international buyers and media with their unique designs.
This initiative, supported by notable guests like Marisa Berenson and Sidney Toledano, focuses on quality over quantity by selecting 16 brands that are gaining global recognition. The move is a strategic effort by the Saudi Fashion Commission, led by CEO Burak Cakmak, to cement Saudi Arabia’s place in the global fashion ecosystem. The focus on female entrepreneurs and designers this season underscores a new era of opportunity and ambition in Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry.
Among the showcased, Abadia, a brand that has thrived through direct-to-consumer sales and recently ventured into wholesale, exemplifies the global appeal and innovative spirit of Saudi designers. Founder Shahd AlShehail emphasized the brand’s commitment to timeless design and the importance of a global perspective rooted in Saudi culture and heritage.
The event also serves as a platform for emerging brands like Apoa, which offers bold, culturally inspired jewelry. The brand’s founders, Noura, Sara, and Mashael Al Saud, highlighted the showroom’s role in opening doors for local designers, allowing them to gain international recognition and explore new opportunities.
Saudi designers continue to leave their mark on the global stage, and initiatives like Saudi 100 Brands not only highlight the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and creative talent but also pave the way for its integration into the international fashion community. Paris Fashion Week, which kicked off on February 26th, promises to dazzle to its grand finale on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024!
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