Fashion Commission Launches 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

Fashion Commission Launches 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition
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Fashion Commission Launches 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

Fashion Commission Launches 'Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion' Competition

Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission launched on Tuesday the “Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion” competition to promote traditional Saudi attire and emphasize Saudi cultural heritage.

The competition, launched in alignment with the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts 2025, aims to boost and preserve Saudi cultural identity, while fostering local talent in the realm of creative design.

The competition will equip participants to acquire advanced knowledge about traditional fashion design and Saudi handcrafts, bolstering technical and creative design skills and gaining a deeper understanding of Saudi heritage and architecture.

The winning design will be announced on February 16 and displayed at the Fashion Commission’s exhibition at the Saudi Cup 2025 in celebration of Saudi Founding Day.

Participants will attend a five-day workshop led by expert professionals, with the workshops covering four key areas: traditional fashion design, Saudi heritage and architecture, fashion handcrafts, and creative fashion skills.

Participants are invited to create distinctive fashion pieces that incorporate elements and characteristics reflective of local traditions and design artistry in the Saudi culture.

Following the creative process, participants will submit their creations to be assessed by a specialized panel of experts selected by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth).

The Traditional Handcrafts Revival in Saudi Fashion competition seeks to enhance awareness of traditional handcrafts in the Kingdom, preserve Saudi cultural identity, and develop local talent in the field of creative design by providing training and guidance opportunities to participants throughout the whole duration of the competition.



Italian Shoemaker Geox to Invest $125 Million in 5-year Plan

FILE PHOTO: Geox shoes are seen in a shop in Rome, Italy, April 10, 2016. REUTERS/Max Rossi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Geox shoes are seen in a shop in Rome, Italy, April 10, 2016. REUTERS/Max Rossi/File Photo
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Italian Shoemaker Geox to Invest $125 Million in 5-year Plan

FILE PHOTO: Geox shoes are seen in a shop in Rome, Italy, April 10, 2016. REUTERS/Max Rossi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Geox shoes are seen in a shop in Rome, Italy, April 10, 2016. REUTERS/Max Rossi/File Photo

Italian shoemaker Geox plans to invest about 120 million euros ($125 million) as part of an industrial plan to 2029 and has signed a five-year deal with a leading Chinese operator to expand its presence in the country.

The maker of breathable, waterproof footwear said in November it would end direct operations in the unprofitable Chinese and US markets after posting a 9.7% yearly drop in nine-month revenue globally, Reuters reported. It said it would continue its business in the two countries through local partnerships.

In addition to the investments, announced in a statement late on Monday, the group said it would extend by 24 months the medium- to long-term debt repayment plans as part of a debt refinancing agreement with creditor banks including Monte dei Paschi and the Italian units of BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole.
Geox controlling shareholder LIR, the family holding of its chairman and founder Mario Moretti Polegato, will contribute up to 60 million euros to the industrial plan, the statement said.
The shoemaker expects yearly revenues above 850 million euros by 2029, compared with 720 million in 2023, with compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% in the next five years, and an EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) margin over 7% by 2029.