Riyadh, October 31, 2024 — In a significant stride towards enhancing the local fashion landscape, the Fashion Commission has officially launched an educational program initiative designed specifically for fashion pioneers. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the esteemed French Fashion Institute and the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as “Misk.”
This initiative embodies the Fashion Commission’s commitment to empowering the burgeoning local fashion industry, equipping fashion professionals with essential tools and knowledge necessary for fostering creativity and excellence. Following the strategic partnership announced in June 2024 with the French Fashion Institute, this initiative will introduce innovative educational programs that combine cutting-edge knowledge with hands-on experience. These programs aim to serve as a robust platform for designers, brand owners, and investors, facilitating their growth and success in the dynamic world of fashion.
The newly launched educational programs comprise five comprehensive training courses. Among these is a preparatory course in executive business management tailored for the fashion sector. This course will be conducted in three phases: an engaging virtual training program, an in-person training session in Riyadh, and a culminating in-person program in Paris, where participants will execute a final project to showcase their acquired skills.
The Riyadh segment of the program encompasses a wide range of foundational topics crucial for aspiring fashion professionals. Introductory sessions will delve into various aspects such as planning, marketing, sales, brand identity, business strategy, visual merchandising, and retail dynamics. In Paris, the training will shift towards more academic elements, featuring lectures and interactive activities centered on digital marketing, financial management, product development, and production processes, thus providing participants with a well-rounded educational experience.
Additionally, the initiative includes a pivotal course on advanced sustainability practices within the fashion industry, structured in two phases: a virtual training segment followed by an in-person training session in Riyadh. This course will explore key topics such as the introduction to fashion and sustainability, the circular economy's role in fashion, innovative technologies promoting sustainable practices, and strategic implementations of sustainability and social responsibility within business models in the fashion sector.
Another significant offering is a course dedicated to advanced research methods in design applications. This six-day program will emphasize the foundational guidelines necessary for conceptualizing a fashion collection. Conducted in two phases—virtual training followed by an in-person segment in Paris—it will focus on exploratory research that intertwines contemporary global fashion trends with local and heritage materials, textiles, and architectural influences.
The Fashion Commission is also introducing a specialized course on visual merchandising and marketing tailored for the fashion industry. This intensive seven-day course, held in Riyadh, will cover vital concepts such as building a fashion brand, the essentials of marketing, effective visual display techniques, trend analysis, and a comprehensive understanding of the fashion business landscape, including distribution channels and shopping strategies.
Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a focused developmental course in fashion photography. This intensive six-day program, conducted in person in Riyadh, promises to offer valuable insights into the art of visual storytelling within the fashion realm, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Through these comprehensive educational offerings, the Fashion Commission aims to cultivate a new generation of fashion leaders, ensuring that the local fashion industry not only thrives but also aligns with global standards of creativity, sustainability, and innovation.