Riyadh, March 22, 2025 – Following extensive market research and collaboration with the Fashion Commission, Istituto Marangoni is set to open its Riyadh campus in August 2025. The new Higher Training Institute will offer specialized programs tailored to the needs of Saudi Arabia’s fashion and luxury market, contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.
The new campus will be located in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), within the Riyadh Creative District (RCD), a project managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). As the incubator for RCD, RCRC has successfully attracted numerous prestigious companies and institutions from the creative industry. Istituto Marangoni chose Riyadh for its dynamic creative ecosystem, growing demand for advanced fashion education, and the city’s strategic role in shaping the future of the regional industry.
Riyadh, combining rich cultural heritage with technological advancements and rapid urban development, is emerging as a major hub for fashion and innovation, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global fashion industry.
In support of the next generation of Saudi fashion professionals, the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission is backing Istituto Marangoni’s launch of a three-year undergraduate Advanced Training Diploma. The institute will offer 50 scholarships for Saudi students enrolling in the program, available to Saudi nationals with a high school diploma or equivalent.
On March 17, the scholarship initiative was officially launched on Istituto Marangoni's website through a competitive selection process, offering aspiring Saudi fashion students partial funding for their three-year diploma programs starting in August 2025.
Stefania Valenti, Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, expressed her gratitude, saying, “A sincere thank you to the Fashion Commission, the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and the Ministry of Investment for their invaluable support in establishing this Higher Training Institute.” She added, “Our mission is to nurture local creative talent by combining global expertise with Saudi heritage, shaping future leaders in the fashion and luxury industries. This initiative will lay the foundation for developing a new generation of Saudi talent, equipping them with skills to connect with international markets while embracing the Fashion Commission’s vision and Saudi Vision 2030.”
According to Fashion Commission Chief Executive Burak Cakmak, “This partnership with Istituto Marangoni marks a pivotal moment for the Saudi fashion industry. By investing in local talent and providing world-class education, we are empowering the next generation of Saudi designers and leaders, while enriching the global fashion landscape with our unique cultural heritage. Together, we are building a sustainable, thriving fashion ecosystem that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030.”
Strategically located in Riyadh, the institute will offer a range of specialized programs blending Saudi heritage with technical and managerial expertise. The three-year undergraduate programs will include "Fashion Design & Accessories," "Fashion Communication & Image," "Fashion Management," "Digital Communication & Media," "Fashion Product," and "Fragrances & Cosmetics Management." These programs will be accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), the government agency overseeing vocational education in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to undergraduate courses, the institute will offer upskilling and reskilling courses for industry professionals, available in full-time and part-time formats. All programs will be taught by a distinguished faculty of international and local experts, ensuring a high-quality educational experience that meets global industry standards.
To celebrate this important partnership, a special Suhoor was hosted at La Petite Maison in Riyadh, bringing together key stakeholders from the Fashion Commission, Istituto Marangoni, and the Saudi creative community.