Saudi Fashion Commission Concludes 'Building a Fashion Brand' Program in Partnership with Fondazione Sozzani

 The program concluded with an official ceremony at the Future Creative Residence, where participants received certificates of completion - SPA
The program concluded with an official ceremony at the Future Creative Residence, where participants received certificates of completion - SPA
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Saudi Fashion Commission Concludes 'Building a Fashion Brand' Program in Partnership with Fondazione Sozzani

 The program concluded with an official ceremony at the Future Creative Residence, where participants received certificates of completion - SPA
The program concluded with an official ceremony at the Future Creative Residence, where participants received certificates of completion - SPA

Saudi Arabia's Fashion Commission successfully concluded its five-day intensive program titled “Building a Fashion Brand,” held at the Future Creative Residence (FCR) in Riyadh.

According to a press release issued by the commission today, the program aimed to empower ambitious Saudi talents and equip beginner designers with essential knowledge, strategic tools, and practical guidance to support the development and launch of their own fashion brands. It was delivered in partnership with Fondazione Sozzani, an international institution dedicated to preserving culture and creativity and promoting sustainable fashion.

The program highlighted the intersection between fashion, visual culture, and sustainability. Participants engaged in a rich week of lectures, workshops, one-on-one sessions, and brand development activities led by international experts, SPA reported.

The program was supervised by Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani Sara Sozzani Maino, one of the world's most prominent advocates of responsible fashion known for her work with Vogue Italia and Vogue Talents, alongside Riccardo Terzo, stylist, editor, and creative director of DUST China, who has extensive experience in talent scouting and the history of fashion imagery.

The two experts presented an integrated curriculum covering brand identity, storytelling, visual language, portfolio development, responsible fashion practices, and the evolving landscape of global fashion culture.

Participants were offered a continuous creative journey, exploring the foundations of defining personal and brand identity, developing integrated visual and written narratives, understanding contemporary fashion imagery and communication methods, and building a design approach rooted in sustainability, responsibility, and professional ethics.

They also enhanced their ability to develop strategies through research and moodboards, explore collaboration opportunities, and build integrated creative ecosystems, in addition to benefiting from individual mentoring sessions focused on refining vision, strategy, and identity.
The release added that their perspectives were further broadened through documentary screenings, open discussions, and analytical studies of global brands such as Jacquemus, Wales Bonner, and the Fashion Revolution movement, contributing to strengthened awareness of contemporary international trends.

On the final day, participants presented their developed brand concepts before a panel of experts, showcasing identity statements, visual visions, and strategic foundations for each brand. The program concluded with an official ceremony at the Future Creative Residence, where participants received certificates of completion.

The “Building a Fashion Brand” program reflects the Fashion Commission’s commitment to empowering the new generation of Saudi designers, enhancing global creative exchange, and building a sustainable fashion ecosystem that meets future needs within the Kingdom.

Through its strategic partnerships with leading international institutions such as Fondazione Sozzani, the commission continues to develop specialized programs that support emerging talents and elevate the fashion scene in Saudi Arabia.

In this context, the Sozzani Foundation is preparing to launch another program under the supervision of the Fashion Commission titled “Content Creation in Fashion,” scheduled for December 15, 2025, in Milan. A group of Saudi designers has been selected to participate, including one designer nominated from the previous program to ensure continuity of learning and deepening of acquired skills.



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.


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.


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.