Riyadh Fashion Week is returning for a second edition this October, bringing together an array of renowned fashion designers and stunning stylish shows.
The prestigious event adds to Saudi Arabia’s remarkable milestones in the fashion industry, as the Kingdom is making steady progress towards becoming a global industrial powerhouse and fashion hub.
Riyadh Fashion Week 2024
From October 17-21, 2024, the Saudi capital will host the second season of Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW). Organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission, the RFW will showcase style, innovation and creativity in a series of dazzling fashion shows that reflect the latest trends.
The second edition of the Riyadh Fashion Week serves as a platform for renowned and emerging designers alike, providing them the opportunity to display their unique designs and artistic visions on the runway.
It aims to promote Saudi brands to compete regionally and globally, enhance the growth of the Saudi fashion industry, establish Riyadh’s position as a fashion hub, and celebrate the Saudi thriving fashion landscape.
Showcasing Saudi Talent
The Riyadh Fashion Week plays a key role in highlighting the fashion landscape in Saudi Arabia, spotlighting Saudi talent and creativity. It also displays the Kingdom’s rich heritage and history, reflected in the creative designs and innovative fashion styles.
On this occasion, the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, Burak Camak, said: “Riyadh Fashion Week stands as a landmark event in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic evolution. It serves as a premier stage for the exceptional talent and creativity of our designers, bridging local and international fashion communities. This event catalyzes economic growth, fosters innovation, and celebrates our rich cultural heritage.”
He added: “By uniting industry professionals from around the world, Riyadh Fashion Week aims to inspire future generations and establish Saudi Arabia as a dynamic force in the global fashion landscape.”
Riyadh Fashion Week Designers
The flagship fashion event has unveiled a lineup of 30 creative designers. Owing to their diverse backgrounds, they bring up visionary designs that blend tradition and innovation, leaving an everlasting mark in the fashion scene and inspiring future generations.
The RFW 2024 designers include 1886, Abadia, Adnan Akbar, Aram, Ashwaq Al Marshad, Atelier Hekayat, Awaken, Dar Alhanouf, Eman Joharjy, Fatima Alabdulqader, Freeminds, Hajruss, Hala Algharbawi, Hindamme, Honayda, House Of Cenmar, Jubb, Kaf By Kaf, and Khawla Alaiban.
In addition, the lineup features KML, Makram Marzuki, Mazrood, MD29, Mona Alshebil, Noble & Fresh, Nour Aldhahri, Noura Sulaiman, Pavone, Qormuz, Razan Alazzouni, RBA, Tima Abid, Waad Aloqaili and Yahya Albishri.
Luxurious Event
With a total of 28 runway shows, the Riyadh Fashion Week 2024 will see the participation of 100 Saudi brands and international designers, who will display their latest collections of luxury fashion, jewelry, evening wear, and street style.
Fashion enthusiasts are in for an exceptional event that will feature world-class celebrities. The 2023 edition welcomed famous celebrities, such as Blake Lively, Naomi Campbell, and Zendaya, who visited the Saudi capital.
International Participation
As part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a premier fashion destination and support local talent, the Kingdom has made increased efforts to promote the Saudi fashion sector worldwide and highlight the promising investment opportunities.
To this end, the Saudi Fashion Commission organized an investment tour in London on September 17, coinciding with the conclusion of London Fashion Week. It also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adidas to empower local designers.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia organized several events to showcase the latest trends and opportunities in the flourishing fashion sector. This included the Saudi Fashiontex Expo 2024 and the Red Sea Fashion Week.
Thriving Fashion Industry
The fashion industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing remarkable growth, making significant contributions to the Saudi economy. This aligns with the transformative Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil revenues.
In 2023, the fashion industry’s contribution to the Saudi GDP increased to 2.5%, according to the “State of the Fashion Industry in Saudi Arabia 2024” report.
Moreover, the fashion sector contributed to the job market by 320,000 jobs in 2023, an increase by 90,000 jobs since 2021-2022. In another major stride towards gender equality, the women’s share in the fashion industry’s workforce accounted for 52% in 2023.
Additionally, the Saudi fashion market value has significantly increased, reaching around $30bn. It is projected to amount to $42bn by 2028.
In another testament to the fashion industry growth, the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monshaat) report for Q1 2024 indicated that the total value of the fashion industry in the Kingdom reached SAR 92.3bn, with the Saudi local fashion industry accounting for SAR 46.9bn of that figure.
