Saudi Fashion Commission CEO reflects on Paris success of pop-up, showrooms

Burak Cakmak in Paris. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 July 2023
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Saudi Fashion Commission CEO reflects on Paris success of pop-up, showrooms

DUBAI: After a whirlwind summer in Paris, the chief executive officer of the Saudi Fashion Commission has highlighted the success of the multiple events the organization hosted in the French capital.

Burak Cakmak told Arab News that the Emerge fashion pop-up showcased 15 designers from the commission’s Saudi 100 Brands initiative, with a curated selection of designs available to purchase at 8 Rue de Francs Bourgeois in Paris for almost two weeks.




Designer Khlood Arab at the jewelry showcase in Paris. (Supplied)

In addition to the pop-up, the commission also hosted a jewelry and couture showroom in the first week of July.

The showcase was held at the headquarters of Paris auction house Artcurial, an historic mansion in the heart of the city’s Golden Triangle and was launched with an invite-only event at the Ritz that saw a presentation by some of the participating designers and labels.

These included Yousef Akbar, Yataghan Jewelry, Rutana Jewelry, Pavone, Najla Almunajem, Mashael Al-Faris, Luda Fine Jewelry, Ashwaq Al-Marshad, and Adnan Akbar.

Cakmak said: “Paris is the world’s fashion capital — it is a rite of passage for the designers to experience the center of the world’s fashion scene.

“With Saudi Arabia building its local fashion economy and taking up its position as a global fashion center, there are lessons to be learned from Paris and its talented creatives.

“Our designers have made connections across the fashion ecosystem on this trip that will support their career progression.




An invite-only event at the Ritz saw a presentation by some of the participating designers and labels. (Supplied)

“Sidney Toledano, chairman and CEO of LVMH Fashion Group, visited our ready-to-wear showroom to meet the designers from the region and shared his valuable insights — a memorable experience for all the designers involved,” he added.

According to organizers, the Emerge pop-up hosted more than 2,000 visitors, something Cakmak noted was, “hugely positive and rewarding.”

He said: “This big showcase in Paris is part of our ongoing program of activity to take the designers to global markets. In the short time since the Saudi 100 Brands took part in their first show outside the Kingdom at Expo 2020 Dubai in February 2022, they have showcased at events not only in Paris but also New York and Milan.”

Cakmak extended an invitation for global fashion industry insiders to visit Saudi Fashion Week, due to take place between Oct. 20 and 23.


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.