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.
