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Introduction:
When one thinks about Saudi Arabia, oil is probably one of the first things that come to mind. And rightly so. A large amount of oil was discovered in March 1938, and this natural resource has made the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia one of the richest countries in the world. While it has been 85 years since the discovery of that oil, Saudi Arabia isn’t anywhere close to stopping its production. However, the Kingdom is also aiming to diversify and expand away from this natural resource into other sectors, including fashion, through initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Vision 2030 and the Fashion Commission:
Helmed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy and society. This vision seeks to strengthen public sectors such as culture, tourism, health, education, infrastructure, and recreation while reducing the country’s reliance on oil. One of the key aspects of this transformation is the development of the fashion industry, led by the Saudi Fashion Commission.
The Rise of the Fashion Ecosystem:
Before 2020, there was hardly a fashion ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. However, with the establishment of the Fashion Commission, led by industry veteran Burak Çakmak, the fashion scene in the country is flourishing. The commission’s efforts are expected to contribute 1.4% to the Kingdom’s GDP, amounting to approximately $12.5 billion in gross value addition.
Building from Scratch:
Çakmak, the former dean of fashion at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, has been at the forefront of building the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia from scratch. In an interview, he shared the challenges and triumphs of this ambitious endeavor. According to Çakmak, one of the biggest challenges has been obtaining market data information. Access to reliable data is crucial for the commission, designers, and businesses across the value chain to make informed and data-led decisions.
Driving Innovation and Cultural Transformation:
Despite the challenges, Çakmak and his team are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant and innovative fashion ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The Fashion Commission is focused on fostering creativity, supporting local designers, and attracting international brands and talent. By providing platforms for fashion events, collaborations, and education, they aim to create a thriving fashion culture that celebrates both traditional and contemporary styles.
The Power of Fashion in Economic Diversification:
The growth of the fashion industry is a testament to the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. As the country seeks to reduce its reliance on oil, the fashion sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic diversification. By increasing the non-oil GDP from 16% to 50% and boosting the private sector’s contribution to the GDP from 40% to 65%, the fashion industry is poised to become a significant player in Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape.
Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia’s journey towards becoming a fashion powerhouse is an exciting testament to the transformative power of Saudi Vision 2030. With the dedicated efforts of the Saudi Fashion Commission and industry leaders like Burak Çakmak, the Kingdom is rapidly emerging as a hub of style, innovation, and cultural expression. As the fashion ecosystem continues to evolve and thrive, it brings new opportunities for local designers, international collaborations, and economic diversification. Saudi Arabia is proving that fashion can be a driving force for growth and a catalyst for positive change in the region.
