Saudi fashion could be the next big thing after Paris and Milan: Here's why

Time of India

7 days ago

Saudi designers showcase modern interpretations of heritage garments at Expo 2025 Osaka, led by the Fashion Commission/ Image: SPA
TL;DR
The Saudi
Fashion Commission
made a strong impression at Expo 2025 Osaka with a day of programs celebrating education, culture, and emerging design.
Local designers are reshaping Saudi Arabia's image by blending
heritage
and innovation in thoughtful, authentic ways.
The industry is embracing sustainability, supporting talent, and becoming a real part of the country's economic and cultural growth.
Saudi Arabia's fashion industry is undergoing a deliberate transformation. As part of the country's broader cultural and creative development efforts, fashion is being approached as a platform for education, heritage preservation, and local talent development.
At Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Saudi Fashion Commission demonstrated this shift through a dedicated day of programming at the Saudi Pavilion. The event included panel discussions, educational sessions, and a curated exhibition of contemporary design work. The aim was to provide a grounded look at how fashion in Saudi Arabia is being shaped by its own narratives and priorities.
Designs Rooted
in Heritage and Education
The exhibition featured ten garments drawn from two major initiatives supported by the Fashion Commission.
These pieces reflected active programs designed to support emerging designers through hands-on learning and cultural exploration.
Saudi Heritage Revival Program
:
In collaboration with
Swarovski
, this program involved 26 Saudi designers who were tasked with translating traditional Saudi heritage into modern, sustainable fashion. Using eco-conscious materials, including Swarovski's renewed crystals, participants created designs that integrated historical elements with future-oriented craftsmanship. Selected designers received opportunities for international exposure, such as a residency at Dar Al Hanouf and participation in a Swarovski-hosted academic competition.
Traditional Handcrafts
in Contemporary Design:
This initiative brought together 25 designers in early 2025 for an intensive workshop focused on Saudi architecture, textiles, and artisanal methods. The garments produced during the program reinterpret traditional forms into updated silhouettes. Initially showcased at the Saudi Cup, these works are now part of an international exhibition circuit, with Osaka as a significant stop.
These initiatives fall under the Fashion Commission's Education and Talent Development track, which focuses on building foundational skills and career pathways for young designers.
Focus on Cultural Continuity
A recurring theme during the Osaka event was the importance of maintaining cultural continuity.
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Undo
Rather than discarding tradition, designers are being trained to reinterpret it with relevance to contemporary contexts.
In a panel discussion, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission Burak Cakmak highlighted the value of intellectual and cultural exchange. He described Saudi design as a means of connecting tradition with modern life, rooted in heritage but accessible to a global audience.
International participants echoed this sentiment, noting shared values between Saudi and Japanese design traditions.
These included a respect for craftsmanship, narrative through clothing, and attention to detail.
The garments on display reflected these themes. Each piece was tied to place, memory, and community, showcasing fashion not just as product, but as cultural expression.
Saudi Fashion Is Becoming an Industry, Not Just a Scene
The Commission's work doesn't end with exhibitions. It's helping build an entire ecosystem that supports the fashion sector from the ground up. That includes training programs, mentorship, international collaborations, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and production at home.
Designers like Mohammed Khoja, founder of Hindamme, and Yousef Akbar are already proving what's possible.
Khoja's work draws heavily on Saudi heritage, using design to tell stories about tourism, tradition, and national identity in a fresh, modern way.
Akbar focuses on sustainability, using recycled fabrics and digital tools to cut waste. His studio is paperless, and his designs are meant to last, not just for a season, but for years.
Both designers agree: this is a moment of transformation. Saudi fashion is gaining global attention, and with the right support, it could soon become a key part of the country's creative economy.
What is Saudi Fashion Commission?
Established in 2020, the Saudi Fashion Commission was created to oversee, regulate, and grow the Kingdom's fashion sector.
It works under the Ministry of Culture and is one of eleven cultural commissions that form part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan.
Here's what it does:
Develops and implements national strategies for fashion
Licenses and supports all fashion-related activities in the Kingdom
Hosts events, competitions, and exhibitions
Promotes research and education in traditional and modern design
Builds local supply chains to support self-sufficiency
Represents Saudi fashion in global forums
Its structure is formal, but its mission is personal, develop talent, protect heritage, and make Saudi fashion globally relevant without losing its soul.
What This All Means Moving Forward
Saudi Arabia's fashion industry is no longer on the sidelines. It's becoming a serious space for creativity, commerce, and cultural expression.
And it's doing so on its own terms.
From Riyadh to Jeddah, young designers are learning, experimenting, and building something bigger than a trend. They're building a new identity for Saudi fashion, one that honors the past but looks ahead with confidence.
The Fashion Commission isn't trying to copy global models. It's doing something more important: creating a fashion ecosystem that fits Saudi Arabia, supports its people, and opens space for real innovation.
FAQs
1. What does the Saudi Fashion Commission do exactly?
It supports the development of the fashion sector across Saudi Arabia, from education and training to event organization, international partnerships, and regulation.
2. How is sustainability being addressed in the Saudi fashion industry?
Designers and programs are focusing on recycled materials, reduced waste, and ethical production. The Commission also promotes sustainability through its programs and competitions.
3. Why is fashion important to Saudi Vision 2030?
Fashion supports job creation, cultural exchange, and economic diversification. It also helps shape the country's image and boosts national pride.