JEDDAH: The third Saudi Fashion and Textile Expo, held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Events Center, marks a new era for sustainable fashion and textile innovation in the region. 

The event, which ends on Sunday, brings together designers, innovators and industry leaders from across the globe, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for fashion and trade.

Filiz Karakul, managing director of international at Pyramids Group and one of the organizers, told Arab News that this was the first time the event had been held in Jeddah. 

“Previously it was held in Riyadh but now our focus is on Jeddah because the market here has huge potential. Companies from Europe, Japan, Korea and other countries are showing strong interest in Saudi Arabia. They are bringing innovative fabrics, yarns and sustainable fashion products,” she said. 

All (our) production is done by my family. We only use Italian linen, a natural plant-based fabric. For Saudi Arabia we have adapted lengths and styles. This is our first time here and we are excited by the positive response. People appreciate quality and sustainability, which is very important to us.

Ivan Mastro, Co-founder Casa Mastro Positano

“Sustainability is our key focus and it is becoming increasingly important as climate change affects all industries. Every step we take impacts the ecosystem, which is why we have emphasized sustainability in the designer area.”

Next year’s show would be even bigger, with major pavilions from Germany, Italy and Spain, she said.

“With the support of the authorities and growing international interest, we are confident that this expo will become an even more influential platform, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

The exhibitors are equally committed to the sustainability message.

Victoria Loze, sales manager at Sophie Hallette from France, said: “We have been producing sustainable articles since 1887. We make handcrafted lace using 19th-century machines, with five meters taking eight weeks from start to finish. Our customers include Chanel, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab and high-profile individuals like Kate Middleton and Beyonce. 

“People in Saudi Arabia have great taste. They know fabrics and appreciate high-quality, sustainable products. This is our first time participating and we are proud to be pioneers here.”

Ivan Mastro, co-founder of Casa Mastro Positano from Italy, said: “All (our) production is done by my family. We only use Italian linen, a natural plant-based fabric. For Saudi Arabia we have adapted lengths and styles. This is our first time here and we are excited by the positive response. People appreciate quality and sustainability, which is very important to us.”

Sourabh Jain, export marketing manager at Indian firm Siyaram Silk Mills, said his company was showcasing fabrics designed for hot climates. 

“We manufacture menswear fabrics focusing on natural, sustainable materials. Bamboo fabric is a plant-based fiber that naturally cools the body. Linen is another natural fabric that offers comfort and breathability,” he said.

“The Saudi market is very promising and with Vision 2030 we see huge potential for innovative fabrics and new fashion trends.”

Issie Ninomiya of Uni Textile from Japan, said: “We have 3,000 items in stock, including polyester, cotton, nylon and rayon fabrics. Sustainability is growing and we are producing recycled polyester and organic fabrics. We aim to expand business in Saudi Arabia, which is an emerging market for high-quality, eco-friendly textiles.”

Saudi fashion designer Hana Alhaddad said: “I established my brand, Eeliiite, with a focus on sustainability and uniqueness. I create my designs by recycling waste materials into distinctive pieces. People really appreciate the designs for their originality; most don’t even realize they are made from recycled materials but they love the unique look.”

The expo is showcasing a diverse lineup of designers, from emerging Saudi talent to established names from Switzerland, Tunisia and Morocco. 

The event opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by diplomats, cultural representatives and business leaders, including Consul General of Turkiye in Jeddah Mustafa Unal, General Consul of France Mohammed Nahhad and representatives from Jordan, Syria, India and Tunisia. 

The event attracted more than 550 exhibitors from 25 countries and over 10,000 visitors, including designers, entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts. 

Among the highlights is the Vision Fashion Show, featuring leading and emerging designers, seminars exploring sustainability, smart fabrics and digital innovation, and a B2B zone hosting more than 480 meetings to foster partnerships and trade opportunities.

“As a business owner, I see immense opportunity here,” said Mohammed Rayyan, who runs a textile business.

“The expo brings together designers, innovators and suppliers from around the world, giving me a chance to discover new fabrics, sustainable solutions and potential partnerships that I can incorporate into my business.

“It’s the perfect platform to connect with international expertise while keeping up with the latest trends in the market.”