Thought leaders from the Saudi Fashion Commission, Étoile Group and Istituto Marangoni explore the transformative role of education and mentorship within the Kingdom’s creative economy

Istituto Marangoni Riyadh hosted an insightful discussion on ‘Designing the Future of Fashion in Saudi’, bringing together key figures from across the fashion and education sectors to explore the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving fashion landscape and the role of education in driving its next phase of growth.

Panel Speakers

The panel, moderated by fashion journalist and author Sujata Assomull, featured Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of Etoile Group and mentor at Istituto Marangoni, Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission at the Ministry of Culture; and Anna Zinola, School and Education Director at Istituto Marangoni Riyadh.

The panelists reflected on how Istituto Marangoni’s arrival in Riyadh aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for talent development, entrepreneurship and economic diversification. They discussed the pivotal role education plays in equipping a new generation of designers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals with the technical and business skills needed to thrive in an increasingly global and digitally driven industry.

Building Saudi’s Next Generation of Creative Leaders

Conversations also touched on the importance of mentorship and international creative exchange in accelerating professional growth. As the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure and human capital, the panelists noted that education remains at the heart of its creative economy, an industry projected to contribute 2.6% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2025, create 340,000 jobs and reach a market value of $40 billion by 2029.

The session underscored Istituto Marangoni Riyadh’s commitment to nurturing local talent and connecting Saudi creatives to a global network of mentors, professionals and alumni. Located within King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the new Riyadh campus opened in August 2025, offering three-year Advanced Training Diplomas in Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Product, Fashion Communication & Image, and Fragrances & Cosmetics Management. In January further professional courses will be launched in Advanced Pattern Cutting and Draping, Retail Management, Buying and Visual Merchandising and Digital Design for Fashion. This course  focuses on the application of  artificial intelligence,in the design process: upon successful completion of the course, students will be equipped with enhanced digital skills for professional use.

Through partnerships with the Fashion Commission, Istituto Marangoni Riyadh aims to empower students with world-class education and career readiness, fostering a new generation of talent capable of advancing the Kingdom’s growing role in the global fashion industry.