Saudi Fashion Commission Hosts Virtual Panel on 'The Future of Fashion: It’s All About Digital Reality'

Saudi Fashion Commission Hosts Virtual Panel on 'The Future of Fashion: It’s All About Digital Reality'
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Saudi Fashion Commission Hosts Virtual Panel on 'The Future of Fashion: It’s All About Digital Reality'

Saudi Fashion Commission Hosts Virtual Panel on 'The Future of Fashion: It’s All About Digital Reality'

The Saudi Fashion Commission announced the success of its recent virtual panel discussion titled "The Future of Fashion: It’s All About Digital Reality."

Moderated by the esteemed Shahinaz Alotaishan, the dialogue took place on Thursday, April 25th, aimed at exploring the innovative intersections between digital technology and fashion, according to a press release reported by SPA.
The engaging virtual event featured prominent figures from the fashion and tech industries, including Alexander Jorias, Co-founder and CEO of Club Cooee, and Noura Alghilaisi, celebrated fashion designer and founder of her eponymous brand. The conversation unfolded across three pivotal segments: the enabler, represented by the Fashion Commission; the facilitator, embodied by Alexander Jorias; and the utilizer, exemplified by Noura Alghilaisi.
As the enabler, the Saudi Fashion Commission set the stage by detailing its initiatives to integrate cutting-edge technologies into the kingdom’s burgeoning fashion scene, thus fostering an environment ripe for digital transformation. Shahinaz Alotaishan, panel moderator and a visionary in her own right, articulated the commission’s commitment to nurturing talent and innovation in Saudi Arabia's fashion industry.
Alexander Jorias, stepping in as the facilitator, shared invaluable insights on the potential of digital platforms like Club Cooee in revolutionizing fashion consumption and interaction. His expertise highlighted how virtual environments can create immersive and inclusive experiences, expanding the traditional boundaries of the fashion industry.
Finally, as the utilizer, Noura Alghilaisi discussed the real-world applications of digital advancements in fashion design and retail. She shared her experiences in leveraging technology to enhance her brand’s offerings, from virtual samples to digital 3D design technologies, illustrating the tangible benefits of embracing a digital-first approach.
The panel discussion was not only a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of fashion in the digital age but also a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s role as a burgeoning hub for fashion technology. It offered attendees a unique perspective on the seamless integration of technology into fashion, providing a glimpse into a future where fashion and digital reality are intricately linked.
About the Fashion Commission: Founded in 2020, the Fashion Commission is leading the development of the Kingdom’s fashion sector. By driving investment and building robust regulatory frameworks, the commission is supporting the next generation of Saudi fashion talent as they aspire to reach their full potential. The commission is enabling the sector while preserving the Kingdom’s vast heritage in fashion and empowering Saudi fashion designers. Together with the Ministry of Culture, the commission is working to unlock a thriving cultural sector to preserve and elevate the traditions that make the Kingdom unique.



Saudi Fashion Commission Issues Research Paper on 'Fashion Week Economics'

The Saudi Fashion Commission logo
The Saudi Fashion Commission logo
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Saudi Fashion Commission Issues Research Paper on 'Fashion Week Economics'

The Saudi Fashion Commission logo
The Saudi Fashion Commission logo

The Saudi Fashion Commission has issued its research paper for the fourth quarter of 2025, titled Fashion Week Economics, as part of its continued commitment to providing leading sector insights through the Fashion Futures platform.

The paper presents an in-depth analysis of Riyadh Fashion Week's contribution to local economic growth and explores the role of global fashion weeks in the global economy.

It highlights how Riyadh Fashion Week reflects the Kingdom's cultural and creative development, marking the beginning of a new era for Saudi creative industries, one driven by cultural confidence and economic ambition, through a dynamic integration of creativity, commerce, and culture aligned with the vision of a thriving creative economy.

The research also examines themes including the economic and cultural value of fashion weeks worldwide, the role of fashion-week events as global economic drivers, and case studies of various brands showcased at Riyadh Fashion Week 2025.

Through publishing this paper, the Fashion Commission continues to provide essential economic data and sector insights into the rapidly evolving fashion industry.

Riyadh Fashion Week targets designers, brands, creative talent, buyers, retailers, sponsors, and partners, serving as a central platform for opportunities across the market. Its rapid expansion across three editions, featuring more than 100 participating brands and attracting approximately 27,000 visitors, has delivered significant value in terms of media presence, relationship building, and business growth for participants.

The participation of major global fashion houses such as Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney in the third edition further reflects Riyadh’s growing influence in international luxury circles and its increasing global standing.


Fashion Commission Launches 1st Executive Master’s Program in Riyadh

Fashion Commission Launches 1st Executive Master’s Program in Riyadh
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Fashion Commission Launches 1st Executive Master’s Program in Riyadh

Fashion Commission Launches 1st Executive Master’s Program in Riyadh

The Fashion Commission announced the launch of the first Executive Master’s program to be delivered in Riyadh, developed in collaboration with the world-renowned Institut Français de la Mode (IFM).

The new program marks a significant leap in advancing fashion education and executive training within the Kingdom, according to SPA.

The Executive Master’s in Strategic Management of Fashion & Luxury represents a new milestone in fashion education, taking place in Riyadh for the first time. It is a 15-month hybrid executive master’s degree track designed for high-potential professionals seeking advanced executive training while continuing their careers. Delivered through a blend of in-person modules in Riyadh and Paris, alongside supervised online learning, the program equips participants with strategic, managerial, and analytical expertise tailored to the rapidly evolving fashion and luxury sector.

Designed with market needs in mind, the executive master’s curriculum covers creation and design, brand strategies, sustainability, new consumer behaviors, retail innovation, fashion media, collection management, and future industry perspectives. Participants will also complete a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the regional and global fashion landscape.

The program is taught by IFM’s internationally recognized faculty, experts in fashion history, sustainability, consumer behavior, design, and luxury management, alongside industry leaders from major global houses, fashion federations, media groups, and innovation-driven organizations.

This landmark program builds on the Fashion Commission’s ongoing partnership with IFM since June 2022. Within the first year, the collaboration introduced high-level educational initiatives, including the Advanced Management Program for Luxury Fashion and the Executive Master’s in Luxury Fashion, designed to elevate local talent and strengthen the Kingdom’s creative workforce.

These programs have contributed to developing the skills and knowledge required to support a world-class fashion ecosystem.

The launch of the Executive Master’s marks a pivotal step in establishing Riyadh as an education hub for the fashion and luxury sectors. By bringing a master’s qualification of this caliber directly to the Kingdom, the Fashion Commission reinforces its commitment to enabling professional growth, supporting innovation, and creating globally competitive talent pipelines.


Nike Shares Rise as Apple’s Cook Doubles His Bet on CEO Hill’s Overhaul Effort

A jogger wearing Nike shoes runs along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, March 18, 2019. (Reuters)
A jogger wearing Nike shoes runs along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, March 18, 2019. (Reuters)
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Nike Shares Rise as Apple’s Cook Doubles His Bet on CEO Hill’s Overhaul Effort

A jogger wearing Nike shoes runs along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, March 18, 2019. (Reuters)
A jogger wearing Nike shoes runs along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, March 18, 2019. (Reuters)

Nike shares rose 5% in early trading on Wednesday after Apple CEO Tim Cook doubled his personal stake in the sportswear maker, raising his bets on the margin-pinching turnaround efforts led by CEO Elliott Hill.

Cook, who has been on Nike's board since 2005, bought 50,000 shares at $58.97 ‌each, according to ‌a regulatory filing. As of December ‌22, ⁠he holds about ‌105,000 shares, which is now worth nearly $6 million.

It was the largest open market stock purchase for a Nike director or executive and possibly the largest in more than a decade, said Jonathan Komp, analyst at Baird Equity Research.

"(We see) Cook's move as a positive signal for the progress under CEO Elliott Hill and Nike's 'Win ⁠Now' actions," Komp said.

The purchase comes days after Nike reported weaker quarterly margins and weak ‌sales in China even as CEO ‍Hill tries to revive demand ‍through fresh marketing plans and innovation focused on running and sports, ‍while phasing out lagging lifestyle brands.

He has also attempted to mend Nike's ties with wholesalers such as Dicks Sporting Goods to increase visibility among shoppers amid stiff competition from newer brands.

However, the strategy has strained Nike's margins, which have been declining for over a year, while its efforts to win back its ⁠premier position in discount-friendly China appears to be faltering.

Nike's shares have slumped nearly 13% since it reported results on December 18 and are on track for the fourth straight year of declines. They were trading at $60.19 on Wednesday.

Cook has been a lead independent director of Nike since 2016 when co-founder Phil Knight stepped down as its chairman.

The Apple CEO "remains extremely close" with Knight, Komp said, adding that he has advised Nike through key strategic decisions including Hill's appointment last year.

Board director and former Intel CEO ‌Robert Swan also bought about 8,700 shares for about $500,000 this week.