Saudi Fashion Commission, Kering Start Screening for 'Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia' Winners

The Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched the selection process for winners of the "Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia," a collaborative initiative aimed at training and supporting twenty innovative startups that are making a significant impact in the fashion industry.
The partnership focuses on emphasizing sustainable practices, exploring innovative startups within the fashion and commodities sectors, and establishing award criteria, selection procedures, and development programs for participants.
The application process began in November 2024, inviting startups to submit their applications and embark on a journey toward promoting sustainability. Over 100 startups applied for the program, and 20 were selected to participate in a three-day training camp in Riyadh. The program featured workshops that concentrated on the development of key performance indicators and goal setting, as well as pitching skills.
On January 14, the shortlist of 20 startups convened in Riyadh for the final presentation session, where each applicant was evaluated according to the three key criteria: customer engagement, circular economy, and water protection.
Following the presentation, the evaluation process commenced to select the top 10 proposals, which the jury will assess based on innovation, relevance to the topic, connection to fashion, and potential impact on nature and society.
The awards ceremony for the "Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia" is scheduled for January 27 in Riyadh; the top three winning startups will be announced.
Winners will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long trip to Paris for exclusive mentoring with Kering's sustainability teams and present their innovations at the ChangeNOW Summit 2025.
Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said that sustainability is central to the Fashion Commission's vision for the industry's future.
He added that the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia aims to showcase and support startups that are fostering significant innovation in circular fashion and environmental stewardship.
Cakmak said the initiative demonstrates the commission’s commitment to advancing solutions that tackle current challenges while paving the way for a more sustainable future in fashion.

Gucci owner Kering has transferred three of its Paris real estate assets to a new joint venture with French private equity firm Ardian, freeing up 837 million euros ($860.27 million) in proceeds, the company announced on Wednesday.

The portfolio of the new entity, in which Kering will keep a 40% stake, includes a building on place Vendome, famous for its jewellery boutiques, and two others on avenue Montaigne, one of Paris's main high-end shopping streets.

The transaction is part of Kering's broader real estate strategy, aimed at securing control of high-profile retail locations while also raising cash.

The company - which also owns fashion labels Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta - issued a hefty profit warning in October. It is due to report full-year results on Feb. 11.

Saudi Fashion Commission, Kering Start Screening for 'Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia' Winners