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‘Hia Hub’ in 3rd Edition in Riyadh with more Diverse Program

The five-day event will take place in Riyadh’s JAX District
The five-day event will take place in Riyadh’s JAX District
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‘Hia Hub’ in 3rd Edition in Riyadh with more Diverse Program

The five-day event will take place in Riyadh’s JAX District
The five-day event will take place in Riyadh’s JAX District

Fashion lovers, makers and influencers are set to meet at ‘Hia Hub’, one of the largest and most sophisticated fashion forums in the region, between November 3 and 7. The 3rd edition of ‘Hia Hub’ in Riyadh is hosting brilliant figures from the worlds of fashion, art and design, as well as regional and international experts and brands.

The five-day event will take place in Riyadh’s JAX District. Curated in partnership with “Fashion Future”, the event includes a variety of discussions, seminars, masterclasses, workshops, interactive exhibitions and live performances.

Among the prestigious names partaking in the event are iconic model Kate Moss, Lebanese actresses Nadine Njeim and Stephanie Atalla, Co-Creative Directors from Oscar De La Renta, entrepreneur and brand consultant Nojoud Al Rumaihi, Maison Future Bedouin and more. They are set to take part in inspiring discussions and dialogues highlighting the latest trends in fashion, beauty, art and design.

Hia Hub, in partnership with Fashion Futures, the Saudi Fashion Commission’s annual event, have curated a dynamic program of insightful discussions, seminars, masterclasses, workshops, interactive exhibitions and live performances.

Over the course of 5 days, Hia Hub will explore the transformation taking place in the international fashion, beauty and creative industries with global icons and brands, such as YSL Beauty; Jimmy Choo; Hindash, celebrity makeup artist; Yoon Ahn, creative director for Ambush and Dior Homme Jewelry, and Global Women’s Curator for Nike; Karla Welch, celebrity stylist and creative director; Dexter Navy, filmmaker and photographer; Elizabeth von der Goltz, CEO of Browns and chief fashion and merchandising officer at FARFETCH; and Johan Lindeberg, founder of J. Lindeberg and JAY3LLE.

The program will also explore the trends driving the fast-growing local and regional fashion and design industries with the top entrepreneurs, designers and personalities, including Designer Andrea Wazen, Hia Magazine’s Fashion Director Jeff Aoun, CEO and Founder of Yataghan Jewelry Sarah Abudawood, and Actress Stephanie Atalla.

Mike Fairburn, managing director of SRMGx, said: “This year, we have an exciting and dynamic program that is bigger and bolder than previous years. Hia Hub will explore the latest trends and topics, connecting fans with our industry’s leaders who are redefining fashion and beauty. We are excited to introduce the new shopping hub, the Billboard Arabia live music stage, pop-up art installations, immersive luxury brand experiences, as well as a whole host of dining and lounge spaces. We have introduced a simplified range of ticket options, as Hia Hub is a conference for everyone. So, whether you’re interested in mastering the art of influence with leading digital entrepreneur and luxury consultant Nojoud Al Rumaihi, learning about the latest techniques and trends from Celebrity Makeup Artist Hindash, or looking to spend an evening with friends exploring our many experiences, Hia Hub will truly have something for everyone.”

Hia Hub is also focused on inspiring the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs and creatives by providing a platform to learn and interact with leading global fashion and design institutions. The conference will feature masterclasses and talks with Dr. Leyla Neri, head of the Master of Arts Programs at the French Institute of Fashion, Paris; Dr. Andrée-Anne Lemieux, head of IFM-

Kering Research and Chair on Sustainability at IFM & Kering; Adrien Roberts, international director of Education Accademia Costume & Moda, GFF Trustee, GFWi chairperson; Flavia Collatina, senior leather goods designer at ACM; Sonia Veroni, CEO Modateca Deanna and director CKD Master; and Ozlem Cakir, professional image and communication consultant.

Burak Çakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, said: “The Fashion Commission is proud to partner with Hia Hub on this year’s Fashion Futures event. Together we are bringing leading academics and experts from regional and global fashion institutions to foster insightful conversations on how the next generation of entrepreneurs and creative talents can chart a new path, owning their stories and fusing purpose with creativity. At Fashion Futures, our core mission is to educate, facilitate discussions, foster global exchange and create opportunities in our industry. Hia Hub is the perfect platform to do just that.”

“Hia Hub is an amazing opportunity to bring our industry together. Now in our 31st year, Hia Magazine has continually developed new ways to engage and interact with our audience. From regional and global fashion icons and visionaries to the top influencers and leading brands, Hia Hub is a chance to connect with industry leaders and exchange ideas on how to foster the industry’s growth for the better,” said editor-in-chief of Hia Magazine Mai Badr.

“Fashion has a profound influence on every aspect of our lives – art, lifestyle, culture, identity, personal expression, and history. This year, Hia Hub will explore these different and important areas, and showcase the power of fashion.”

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Fashion

Nike Plans More Job Cuts to Boost Sputtering Turnaround, Forecasts Steep Revenue Drop

People walk past a Nike store in New York City, US, April 2, 2025. (Reuters)
People walk past a Nike store in New York City, US, April 2, 2025. (Reuters)
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Nike Plans More Job Cuts to Boost Sputtering Turnaround, Forecasts Steep Revenue Drop

People walk past a Nike store in New York City, US, April 2, 2025. (Reuters)
People walk past a Nike store in New York City, US, April 2, 2025. (Reuters)

Nike is deepening its restructuring under CEO Elliott Hill as its woes in China intensify, announcing a plan to cut more jobs and shake up its global business divisions after the sportswear giant projected a surprisingly steep drop in full-year revenue.

The tepid forecast on Thursday underscored that Nike's challenges will likely persist for at least several more quarters — especially in China, where sales tumbled 26% on a constant-currency basis in the first quarter — adding to investor unease about the pace of Hill's turnaround. Its shares fell 8.5% in extended trading.

The company has been working to revive growth during the first two years of Hill's tenure by refocusing on key sports such as running and by rebuilding relationships with wholesale retailers. But analysts say its worries have in large part stemmed from a failure to release enough new, compelling products, leading to an uptick in promotions and discounts.

"Our Nike performance business is not yet large enough to offset the pressure we're seeing in Nike sportswear, Jordan brand, and Greater ‌China," Hill said on ‌a post-earnings call. Reviving those weak areas of Nike's business "will take time," he said, pointing to a ‌deliberate ⁠reduction in the ⁠volume of Jordan retro launches.

The company, which also missed analysts' expectations for first-quarter revenue, unveiled changes to its operating model, including job cuts and a move to three geographic regions — Americas, Asia Pacific and Greater China, and EMEA — instead of four. It plans to open a new campus in India "with strong capabilities and access to talent."

Nike said the company does not yet know the number of roles that will be cut under the restructuring. It will begin notifying employees in 2027.

The program, building on previous rounds of layoffs, including one announced earlier this year, is expected to deliver about $2.5 billion in savings through fiscal 2031, with the majority set to be realized in fiscal years 2029 and 2030.

Nike expects its revenue to decline in the ⁠high single digit in fiscal 2027. Analysts, on average, estimate full-year revenue to drop about 2%, according ‌to data compiled by LSEG.

"There is nothing inherently wrong with the (restructuring) plans, but they do ‌suggest that Nike's current model is not really fit for purpose, which in turn raises the question of why these changes were not made sooner," ‌said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData.

CHINA SALES PLUMMET, AGAIN

China, historically a profit-driver for Nike, has shown particular weakness in recent quarters ‌as international rivals and domestic sportswear groups gain traction. Investors remain focused on any signs of improvement, which analysts say will hinge in large part on local product innovation.

Sales in China have fallen for nine consecutive quarters, with the slowdown accelerating in the reported period. The region accounts for about 15% of Nike's annual revenue and is its third-largest market after North America and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company recently said that starting in January, it will pull ‌online sales rights from some of its biggest retail partners in China — a high-stakes bet that tighter control over pricing and distribution can revive its fortunes.

But the digital cleanup will take "multiple seasons," ⁠Hill warned on Thursday, adding that near-term ⁠revenue and profitability in China will take a hit.

Analysts have also questioned whether the abrupt measures, though likely to help Nike address rampant discounting, will convince Chinese consumers that they want what Nike is selling.

"Nike does not have a channel problem in China, but rather a product problem," BNP Paribas senior analyst Laurent Vasilescu has said in a research note, adding that he was surprised by the company's short timeframe to shut down online wholesale in China.

Sales in North America, Nike's biggest region, rose 2% on a constant-currency basis, in one sign of relative strength in the first quarter. Nike's performance business, specifically, contributed to the growth, benefiting from the World Cup, Hill said.

Adding to the company's challenges, French soccer star Kylian Mbappe ended a two-decade-long partnership with Nike in September and joined Swiss-based rival On.

Nike's quarterly sales fell about 4% to $11.21 billion in the first quarter, compared with analysts' average estimate of $11.32 billion.

Its gross margin, however, rose 60 basis points to 42.8% in the quarter ended August 31, helped by lower warehousing and logistics costs.

Hill said Nike would update its targets through the fiscal year, beginning in November, as it works through the restructuring plan.

The company had withdrawn annual forecasts in October 2024 to provide then new-CEO Hill with some flexibility to assess its business.

S&P Dow Jones Indices removed Nike from the S&P 100 in September as part of a quarterly rebalancing after 18 years in the index of blue-chip companies.

Fashion

Stella McCartney Spotlights Climate Crisis with Ocean-Inspired Paris Runway Show

A model presents a creation by designer Stella McCartney as part of her Spring/Summer 2027 Women's ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France, September 30, 2026. (Reuters)
A model presents a creation by designer Stella McCartney as part of her Spring/Summer 2027 Women's ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France, September 30, 2026. (Reuters)
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Stella McCartney Spotlights Climate Crisis with Ocean-Inspired Paris Runway Show

A model presents a creation by designer Stella McCartney as part of her Spring/Summer 2027 Women's ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France, September 30, 2026. (Reuters)
A model presents a creation by designer Stella McCartney as part of her Spring/Summer 2027 Women's ready-to-wear collection show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France, September 30, 2026. (Reuters)

Stella ‌McCartney put a spotlight on the impact of overfishing and climate change on the oceans in her Paris runway show on Wednesday, unveiling a Spring/Summer 2027 collection of floaty fabrics, bubble hems and wave motifs.

Killer whales, sharks and dolphins featured on several looks, while models carried transparent handbags with sea creatures such as a starfish inside.

"The fishing industry is stealth, it's war, we're at war with the ocean, we're at war with the creatures that live ‌in there," McCartney, a ‌vegetarian, said after the show, adding that ‌she ⁠wanted people to ⁠ask themselves: "Sea life or seafood — what's my choice?"

McCartney's eponymous brand is known for using no leather, unlike most luxury labels, and for investing in more sustainably produced cotton, wool and other materials. Her handbags are made with leather alternatives produced from mushrooms or grape byproducts sourced from vineyards.

In ⁠the leafy gardens of the British ‌ambassador's residence, the show started with ‌a voiceover from British natural historian and broadcaster David Attenborough ‌saying: "We must open our eyes to what is happening ‌right now below the waves - we have drained the life from our ocean."

Models strode down a white runway in low-rise trousers with raised waves embroidered on the hips, tops with voluminous bubble ‌hems, and fluid, sheer blazers and shirts. The color palette also evoked ocean life ⁠with dresses ⁠in aqua and bright blue, and a coral trench coat.

McCartney, who bought her brand back from luxury giant LVMH at the start of last year, called on big luxury brands to invest in scaling up more sustainable materials like organic cotton or lab-grown wool.

"I think they all have good intentions, I just know that it would help me and smaller brands trying to come up and trying to work in this way, if the big brands just accepted a new way of working and a new supply chain," she said.

Fashion

Saint Laurent Goes for Gold in Paris Show That May Be Vaccarello’s Finale

A model wears a creation as part of the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring Summer 2027 collection presented in Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring Summer 2027 collection presented in Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP)
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Saint Laurent Goes for Gold in Paris Show That May Be Vaccarello’s Finale

A model wears a creation as part of the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring Summer 2027 collection presented in Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP)
A model wears a creation as part of the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring Summer 2027 collection presented in Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (AP)

Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello unveiled a head-to-toe gold collection of slinky dresses and textured tailoring at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The spring/summer 2027 show marked 10 years since Vaccarello's first show for the Parisian label owned by luxury group Kering and came amid reports ‌he was ‌set to step down from ‌the ⁠role.

On a raised ⁠runway under a giant gold chandelier, models strode past wearing gold dresses with raised embroidery, gold brocade skirts and jackets with sharp collars, and gold trench coats.

The Eiffel ⁠Tower also glittered gold ‌in the ‌background of the show staged outdoors at the ‌Trocadero fountain, with front-row guests including ‌Blackpink singer Rosé, model Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and Oscar-winning actors Eddie Redmayne and Rami Malek.

Black gowns with billowing sleeves and ‌long trains were the final looks of the show, and Charlotte ⁠Gainsbourg ⁠performed a song in a classic Saint Laurent black suit before Vaccarello came out to applause from the crowd, smiling and waving.

Vaccarello is credited with expanding Saint Laurent's reach. The brand's revenues were down 6% last year but Kering said in July that it had returned to growth in the first half.