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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 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.

Fashion

Etro Founding Family Exits Group as New Investors Including Türkiye's RAMS Global Join

L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by French luxury giant LVMH, will remain Etro's majority owner. Reuters
L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by French luxury giant LVMH, will remain Etro's majority owner. Reuters
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Etro Founding Family Exits Group as New Investors Including Türkiye's RAMS Global Join

L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by French luxury giant LVMH, will remain Etro's majority owner. Reuters
L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by French luxury giant LVMH, will remain Etro's majority owner. Reuters

The founding family of Italian fashion house Etro has sold the minority stake it still owned in the brand to a group of investors including Turkish group RAMS Global, the company said on Friday.

L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by French luxury giant LVMH, will remain Etro's majority owner and "will continue to actively support the brand's long-term growth strategy," Etro added, according to Reuters.

The new investors comprise also Italian fashion group Swinger International and small private equity firm ⁠RSI.

In addition to buying the stake, they all subscribed to a capital increase that will lower L Catterton's holding in Etro to between 51% and 55% from around 65%.

When including both the acquisition and the capital increase, the deal is worth around 70 ⁠million euros ($82 million), two sources close to the matter said. Etro did not disclose financial details.

Chief Executive Fabrizio Cardinali will remain at the helm, while Faruk Bülbül, representing RAMS Global, will become chairman of the board.

L Catterton bought a 60% stake in the brand known for its paisley motif four years ago, and it slightly increased the holding over the years.

The company, founded by Gimmo Etro in 1968, has ⁠been struggling with its turnaround. Last year it posted a net loss of 23 million euros with net revenues declining to 245 million euros from 261 million euros, according to filings with the local chambers of commerce reviewed by Reuters.

Rothschild advised L Catterton and the Etro family on the deal.

Rothschild had been hired in 2024 to look for a new investor who could buy all or part of the Etro fashion group, sources had previously told Reuters.

Fashion

Paris Court Rejects Bid to Suspend Shein Platform in France

A customer holds shopping bags with a Shein logo in the first physical space of Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein on the day of its opening inside the Le BHV Marais department store, the Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, France, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
A customer holds shopping bags with a Shein logo in the first physical space of Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein on the day of its opening inside the Le BHV Marais department store, the Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, France, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
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Paris Court Rejects Bid to Suspend Shein Platform in France

A customer holds shopping bags with a Shein logo in the first physical space of Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein on the day of its opening inside the Le BHV Marais department store, the Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, France, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
A customer holds shopping bags with a Shein logo in the first physical space of Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein on the day of its opening inside the Le BHV Marais department store, the Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville, in Paris, France, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

A Paris court on Friday rejected a government request to suspend Chinese fast-fashion platform Shein in France after authorities found illegal weapons and child-like sex dolls for sale on the fast-fashion giant’s website.

Shein welcomed the decision, saying it remains committed to strengthening its control processes in cooperation with French authorities.

“Our priority remains protecting French consumers and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations," the company said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press.

The controversy dates to early November, when France’s consumer watchdog and Finance Ministry moved toward suspending Shein’s online marketplace after authorities said they had found childlike sex dolls and prohibited “Class A” weapons listed for sale, even as the company opened its first permanent store in Paris.

French authorities gave Shein hours to remove the items. The company responded by banning the products and largely shutting down third-party marketplace listings in France.

French officials have also asked the European Commission to examine how illegal products were able to appear on the platform under EU rules governing large online intermediaries.