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RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

DUBAI: British fashion designer and singer Victoria Beckham hosted an intimate dinner in Dubai this week with some of the city’s leading style influencers to celebrate her exclusive capsule collection with Middle Eastern online luxury retailer Ounass.

The collaboration includes a dedicated pop-up at the Ounass Maison, located in Dubai’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Jumeirah.

It features a curated selection of Spring/Summer 2025 pieces, including designs created specifically for the Middle East. The collection is also available online.

“So excited to be here in Dubai to celebrate my capsule for @ounass,” she wrote on Instagram. “Coming here and seeing how Emirati women are wearing my clothes and making them their own brings me so much joy.”

The dinner was attended by several fashion influencers, including Karen Wazen, her sister Andrea Wazen, Dima Al-Sheikhly, Dana Hourani, Sossi Wartanian, Jessica Kahawaty, Deema Al-Asadi and Rym Saidi.

Guests posed for photos with Beckham, who wore a shiny silver-white satin dress featuring a one-shoulder design, soft draping across the bodice, and a gathered detail at the hip that flowed into an asymmetrical hem. She completed the look with clear pointed heels.

Beckham attended the event with her youngest daughter, Harper Seven, 13, who matched her mother in a sleek, floor-length satin gown in a light silver shade.

Harper’s dress featured thin spaghetti straps, a straight neckline, and a smooth, fitted silhouette. She completed the look with a black clutch.

Victoria was not the only member of the Beckham household making fashion headlines this week.

Her husband, football legend David Beckham, is also making a foray into the fashion world with the announcement of a major new collaboration.

In Spring/Summer 2025, BOSS will launch “BECKHAM x BOSS,” the brand’s first collection co-designed with David.

The pieces will draw inspiration from the star’s personal style, and promises to blend modern tailoring with heritage influences.

“We have been very much looking forward to this launch and are more than excited to see how these pieces are received by our end consumers,” said Daniel Grieder, CEO of Hugo Boss, in a statement.

“This collection is based on our strategic priority that product is key and our goal to seamlessly dress our customers for every occasion with our brands.”