RIYADH — The first official Arab Fashion Week here, which will take place March 26-31 at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, is all set to be launched.

Organized by The Arab Fashion Council (AFC), the world’s largest non-profit fashion council representing the 22 Arabic countries members of the Arab League, the launch of the Arab Fashion Week Riyadh follows the opening of the AFC regional office in Riyadh and the appointment of Princess Noura Bint Faisal as honorary president.

Commenting on this important event, Princess Noura said: "We are proud of the significant progress achieved by the Arab Fashion Council in Riyadh, as we announce today the first Fashion Week in the history of the Kingdom. We are excited to see the fruits of the effort to launch this event in a relatively record period, and we thank the global support shown by the International fashion community, which strongly reflects the firm position of Saudi Arabia not only as an economic force, but also as a cultural and creative hub. This is a new era that we are witnessing, an era where "only dreamers are welcome to join" to use the words of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman."

This is latest move by the Kingdom to affirm its vision to transform the fashion industry and retail sector in Saudi Arabia into both a regional and global destination by encouraging trade exchange and global business in line with the Vision 2030 and “The National Transformation Plan”, with the objective to reduce oil dependency and increase revenues from other sources. The nation offers significant investment opportunities and is uniquely placed connecting three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa, to act as a gateway to the world, for regional talent and for International designers wishing to enter the region. AFC (Arab Fashion Council) main pillars are: Education, Trade & Investment, Manufacturing, Talent Development, Art & Culture and Passion.

Ms. Layla Issa Abuzaid, former CEO of Tharawat Business — a company owned by Prince Turki Bin Salman, now in the fashion industry vice chairman and executive director for Saudi Arabia, Arab Fashion Council, commented: “The first Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh, will be more than a world-class event, it is a catalyst through which we believe the fashion sector will lead other economic sectors such as tourism, hospitality, retail, real estate, investment, M&A, travel, and trade. Our retail sector is among the fastest growing in the world. Its not an easy challenge but we passionately believe in what we are doing. Through our commitment we hope that we will be able to drive significant growth on the encouraging figures Saudi Arabia has achieved so far in this context. And with the great vision and support of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman we woman, will have our place in our great community (Saudi Arabia) as men and woman are equal.”

The AFC is building a strong foundation to establish a sustainable fashion infrastructure that will serve not just the region, but creative economies the world over.

Presenting the scope and calendar for the fashion week, Jacob Abrian, founder & chief executive, Arab Fashion Council, explained: “The launch of the Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh is an unprecedented step for the Arab Fashion Council. This historic move will propel the fashion sector in the Arab world to new heights. Today, we are a step forward towards achieving our goals of establishing a solid infrastructure for our regional fashion industry and providing prosperous opportunities for future generation of Arab designers.”

Leading regional and International brands are confirmed to participate during Riyadh Fashion Week. Headlining this inaugural event is the Italian brand Roberto Cavalli. Gian Giacomo Ferraris, CEO of the Roberto Cavalli Group, commented: “Saudi Arabia and the Pan-Arabic world has always embraced the Roberto Cavalli style, at the same time its rich culture inspired the brand profoundly. We are honored by the invitation of Princess Noura and the Arab Fashion Council to open the very first edition of Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh and to be part of this historic moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

The first Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh boasts an impressive lineup of international and regional designers, which includes legendary French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, Russian renowned designer Yulia Yanina, famous Lebanese fashion house, Bassil Soda. The first official Saudi platform will also be showcasing the latest collections by Saudi designers: Reem Al Kanhal, Arwa Al Ammari, Mashael AlRajhi, Arwa Al Banawi, and Alya Al Sawwaf. Other highlights include: Maison Alexandrine (Brazil), Naja Saade (Lebanon), Aiisha Ramadan (UAE), Asory House (Egypt), Bibisara (Kazakhstan), an Mua Mua Dolls (Italy).

The General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia has also offered its full support to the milestone event. — SG