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Saudi Fashion Commission Announces Grand Opening of ‘The Lab' in Misk City

The Saudi Fashion Commission will unveil Tuesday “The Lab”, an initiative demonstrating a monumental shift in the local fashion industry. (SPA)
The Saudi Fashion Commission will unveil Tuesday “The Lab”, an initiative demonstrating a monumental shift in the local fashion industry. (SPA)
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Saudi Fashion Commission Announces Grand Opening of ‘The Lab' in Misk City

The Saudi Fashion Commission will unveil Tuesday “The Lab”, an initiative demonstrating a monumental shift in the local fashion industry. (SPA)
The Saudi Fashion Commission will unveil Tuesday “The Lab”, an initiative demonstrating a monumental shift in the local fashion industry. (SPA)

The Saudi Fashion Commission is excited to unveil Tuesday “The Lab,” the first of its kind in the Kingdom, a state-of-the-art product development studio that is poised to revolutionize the fashion manufacturing landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency said.
Located at The City Hub in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City (Misk City), The Lab is a flagship initiative demonstrating a monumental shift in the local fashion industry. It reflects the commission's commitment to elevating manufacturing capabilities and fostering innovation within the Kingdom.
By providing cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, The Lab enables local designers, brands, and fashion entrepreneurs to actualize their creative visions, proudly under the “Made in Riyadh” label.
The grand opening of The Lab represents a pivotal moment for the Saudi fashion sector, signaling new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and global competitiveness. Attendees will experience firsthand the advanced technologies and collaborative environment that The Lab offers, marking a significant step towards achieving a vibrant and sustainable fashion industry in Saudi Arabia.
“The Lab showcases the groundbreaking advancement in Saudi Arabia's fashion industry,” said Saudi Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak. “As the premier facility of its kind in the region, located in the heart of Riyadh, it streamlines the manufacturing process, empowering our local designers and brands to effortlessly realize their creative visions. By nurturing innovation and providing essential support throughout the fashion cycle, we not only foster creativity but also champion sustainable practices within the industry. The establishment of The Lab, a local product development studio, exemplifies our profound commitment to cultivating a thriving fashion ecosystem right here in Saudi Arabia.”
“The opening of The Lab at Misk City marks a significant milestone for the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia,” said Misk City CEO David Henry. “This state-of-the-art product development studio will not only revolutionize fashion in the Kingdom but also empower local designers and entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity on a global stage, especially since Misk City will contribute significantly to promoting distinguished national brands in the field of fashion in addition to supporting local companies. We are proud to be part of this transformative project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the industry.”
The partnership will enable enhanced cooperation between both entities to develop education and training programs for young Saudi designers, explore opportunities for incubation of entrepreneurs, and attract talent and investors to the Kingdom’s fashion sector. The partnership also lays the foundation for cooperation in hosting various fashion-related events and festivals at Misk City.
Esteemed members of the fashion industry, media, and government representatives are anticipated to attend Tuesday, highlighting the broad support for this transformative project in inaugurating the space. The event will showcase local fashion talents and demonstrate the potential housed within this innovative facility.
The Saudi Fashion Commission invites practitioners, brand owners, and designers in the fashion industry to join this historically exceptional space to be part of the dawn of a new era in fashion manufacturing. It aims to develop the fashion sector in Saudi Arabia through strategic initiatives that fosters innovation and talents, promote economic diversification, and enhance cultural exchange.

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Fashion

Pieter Mulier Named Creative Director of Versace

(FILES) Pieter Mulier attends the 2025 CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History on November 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
(FILES) Pieter Mulier attends the 2025 CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History on November 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
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Pieter Mulier Named Creative Director of Versace

(FILES) Pieter Mulier attends the 2025 CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History on November 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
(FILES) Pieter Mulier attends the 2025 CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History on November 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

Belgian fashion designer Pieter Mulier has been named the new creative director of the Milan fashion house Versace starting July 1, according to an announcement on Thursday from the Prada Group, which owns Versace.

Mulier is currently creative director of the French fashion house Alaïa, and was previously the right-hand man of fellow Belgian designer and Prada co-creative director Raf Simons at Calvin Klein, Jil Sander and Dior.

In his new role, Mulier will report to Versace executive chairman Lorenzo Bertelli, the designated successor to manage the family-run Prada Group. Bertelli is the son of Miuccia Prada and Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli.

“We believe that he can truly unlock Versace’s full potential and that he will be able to engage in a fruitful dialogue,’’ The Associated Press quoted Lorenzo Bertelli as saying of Mulier in a statement.

Mulier takes over from Dario Vitale, who departed in December after previewing just one collection during his short-lived Versace stint.

Mulier was honored last fall by supermodel and longtime Alaïa muse Naomi Campbell at the Council of Fashion Designers of America for his work paying tribute to brand founder Azzedine Alaïa. Mulier took the creative helm in 2021, after Alaïa’s death.

Fashion

Ralph Lauren’s Margin Caution Eclipses Stronger‑than‑expected Quarterly Results

Guests wait after viewing the latest Ralph Lauren collection in New York City, US, April 17, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File photo
Guests wait after viewing the latest Ralph Lauren collection in New York City, US, April 17, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File photo
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Ralph Lauren’s Margin Caution Eclipses Stronger‑than‑expected Quarterly Results

Guests wait after viewing the latest Ralph Lauren collection in New York City, US, April 17, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File photo
Guests wait after viewing the latest Ralph Lauren collection in New York City, US, April 17, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File photo

Ralph Lauren posted third-quarter results above Wall Street estimates on Thursday, but the luxury retailer's warning of margin pressure tied to US tariffs sent its shares down nearly 6.4% in premarket trading.

The company expects fourth-quarter margins, its smallest revenue period, to shrink about 80 to 120 basis points due to higher tariff pressure and marketing spend.

Ralph Lauren, which sources its products from regions such as China, India and Vietnam, has relied on raising prices and reallocating production to regions with lower duty exposure to offset US tariff pressures, Reuters reported.

"Ralph Lauren has been able to raise prices for some time now. There is some limit on how long it can continue to do this. I think (the company's) gross margins are near peak levels," Morningstar analyst David Swartz said.

The company, which sells $148 striped linen shirts and $498 leather handbags, has tightened inventory, lifted full-price sales and refreshed core styles, boosting its appeal among wealthier and younger customers, including Gen Z.

Higher-income households are still splurging on luxury items, travel and restaurant meals, while lower- and middle-income consumers are strained by higher costs for rents and food as well as a softer job market.

The New York City-based company saw quarterly operating costs jump 12% year-on-year as it ramped up brand building efforts through sports-focused brand campaigns such as Wimbledon and the US Open tennis championship.

The luxury retailer said revenue in the quarter ended December 27 rose 12% to $2.41 billion, above analysts' estimates of a 7.9% rise to $2.31 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

It earned $6.22 per share, excluding items, compared to expectations of $5.81, aided by a 220 basis points increase in margins and an 18% rise in average unit retail across its direct-to-consumer channel.

Ralph Lauren now expects fiscal 2026 revenue to rise in the high single to low double digits on a constant currency basis, up from its prior forecast of a 5% to 7% growth.

Fashion

Saudi Fashion Commission, Kering Launch 'Kering Generation Award X MENA'

This year's award builds on the strong success of the 2025 award, which attracted more than 500 applications, shortlisted 21 finalists, and recognized three winners. SPA
This year's award builds on the strong success of the 2025 award, which attracted more than 500 applications, shortlisted 21 finalists, and recognized three winners. SPA
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Saudi Fashion Commission, Kering Launch 'Kering Generation Award X MENA'

This year's award builds on the strong success of the 2025 award, which attracted more than 500 applications, shortlisted 21 finalists, and recognized three winners. SPA
This year's award builds on the strong success of the 2025 award, which attracted more than 500 applications, shortlisted 21 finalists, and recognized three winners. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission and global luxury group Kering have launched the "Kering Generation Award X MENA" across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for 2026.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during the opening of the RLC Global Forum, hosted at the French Embassy in Riyadh.

This year's award builds on the strong success of the 2025 award, which attracted more than 500 applications, shortlisted 21 finalists, and recognized three winners.

Participants benefited from mentorship programs, workshops, and opportunities to strengthen their global presence. Building on this momentum, the 2026 program seeks to expand its impact across the MENA region.

The 2026 award focuses on four key areas of sustainable fashion: innovation in regenerative materials and clean production, circular design and sustainable business models, nature conservation and animal welfare, and consumer awareness and cultural engagement.

The program targets startups across the MENA region that operate in, or positively influence, the sustainable fashion sector, provided they demonstrate innovation capabilities and the ability to deliver measurable sustainability outcomes.