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The Fashion Commission, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Company: The Fashion Commission
Company Description: The Fashion Commission was established with the emergence of the Ministry of Culture and its ambitious goals to empower and support the fashion sector in Saudi Arabia. The Commission’s strategy aims to support the fashion community through all stages of the value chain, starting with the design process, through production, development, and product lifecycle management.
Nomination Category: Thought Leadership Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year
2024 Stevie Winner Nomination Title: The State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  1. Provide an essay of up to 625 words describing the nominated thought leadership program/campaign since 1 July, 2022:

    Total 545 words used.

     In Paris, The Fashion commission has officially launched the “State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023” – a deep analysis on fashion ecosystem in Saudi. It outlines what we have long known to be true: the scale of the opportunity for fashion in Saudi can hardly be overstated. The report was turned into a one-of-a-kind, hand-stitched book – where the pages can be developed into a beautiful couture dress, designed by Saudi label Atelier Heykayat. It’s a book you can wear. And a dress you can read.

    About the content

    This report is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first annual assessment of the state of fashion industry in Saudi Arabia. This pioneering approach establishes a foundational framework for future reports and signals the country's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable fashion sector. The State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023 marks a groundbreaking achievement in the realm of fashion literature - a detailed analysis of the country’s fashion industry, outlining the scale of the sector’s opportunity.

    The report outlines how the Saudi fashion industry is poised for significant growth, driven by Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and cultural enrichment. In 2022, the industry contributed 1.4% to the GDP and employed 230,000 people, with a strong emphasis on female employment and local talent development. The Kingdom’s strategic location, rich heritage, and large domestic market provide a conducive environment for a thriving fashion ecosystem. The Saudi Fashion Commission is actively supporting this growth through initiatives like the Saudi 100 Brands program and investments in education and sustainable practices. The industry is expected to see a 48% surge in sales from 2021 to 2025, with a focus on local production, import substitution, and export potential to the GCC. Challenges such as supply chain bottlenecks and the need for advanced technical services are being addressed to ensure the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness. The future of Saudi fashion looks promising, with a robust value chain and a commitment to innovation and sustainability at its core. It aims to enhance understanding, support the identification of opportunities, and foster innovation in the sector, ultimately contributing to the development and global recognition of Saudi Arabian fashion.

    About the production

    This masterpiece transcends the boundaries of traditional books and immerses readers in a sensory journey through the captivating world of Saudi Arabian fashion. The creation of each book is a labor-intensive process that involves over 195 hours of craftsmanship.

    Its pages are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating unique features that reflect the diversity and richness of the fashion landscape. The book's design showcases a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques. Each page is an experience in itself, featuring the glow of gold and silver paper, meticulously embroidered pages with golden threads, and alternating between artisanal cotton-paper and silk fabric pages. This constant interplay between book and dress sparks a dialogue between the written word and sartorial expression. Within its pages, The State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2023 weaves together vibrant colors, creative designs, and insightful data about the fashion industry. It serves as a celebration of the rich heritage and burgeoning creativity of Saudi Arabian designers, capturing their talent, perspectives, and contributions to the fashion industry.

     

Attachments/Videos/Links:
The State of Fashion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
PDF [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION]