Riyadh, January 18, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move to foster innovation and sustainability in the fashion industry, the Fashion Commission, in partnership with luxury group Kering, has officially launched the selection process for the “Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia.” This collaborative initiative is designed to support and nurture 20 forward-thinking startups that are making a significant impact in the fashion and commodities sectors, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
The partnership between the Fashion Commission and Kering seeks to spotlight emerging startups that prioritize sustainable practices, focusing on areas such as circular economy, resource management, and environmental responsibility. At its core, the program aims to accelerate the growth of businesses that are contributing to the transformation of the fashion industry, making it more eco-friendly and resilient. In addition to providing financial support, the initiative also includes comprehensive training and development programs aimed at equipping participants with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
The application process for the award began in November 2024, inviting startups from across the Kingdom to submit their proposals and join a platform dedicated to promoting sustainability in fashion. The response was overwhelming, with more than 100 startups applying for a chance to be a part of this prestigious program. After a thorough review, 20 finalists were selected to participate in a three-day training camp held in Riyadh, where they engaged in workshops that covered crucial business areas such as goal-setting, performance indicator development, and pitching techniques. These workshops were designed to help the participants refine their business models and prepare for the final presentation session.
On January 14, the shortlisted startups gathered in Riyadh for the crucial final presentation, where each startup had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. The evaluation criteria focused on three main pillars: customer engagement, circular economy practices, and water protection. This rigorous evaluation process aims to identify the startups with the most potential to make a positive and lasting impact on the fashion industry and the environment.
Following the presentations, the selection process intensified, with the jury tasked with narrowing down the field to the top 10 most promising startups. These finalists will be assessed based on innovation, relevance to the theme of sustainability, their alignment with the fashion industry, and the potential long-term impact of their solutions on both society and nature. The jury’s decision will be a key step in recognizing and rewarding the most pioneering and transformative ideas in fashion.
The awards ceremony for the “Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia” will take place on January 27, 2025, in Riyadh, where the top three winning startups will be announced. The winners will receive a prestigious opportunity to travel to Paris for a week-long mentorship with Kering’s sustainability teams, offering them invaluable insights and guidance in scaling their solutions. Additionally, the winners will have the chance to present their innovations at the ChangeNOW Summit 2025, one of the world’s largest events dedicated to sustainable development and innovation.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, emphasized that sustainability is at the heart of the Fashion Commission’s vision for the future of the fashion industry. He noted that the Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia not only highlights the importance of innovation in circular fashion but also demonstrates the Fashion Commission’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who are shaping a more sustainable and ethical future for the industry. Cakmak further stated that this initiative reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to lead the way in environmental stewardship and create solutions that address global challenges while positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for sustainable fashion innovation.
This collaboration between the Fashion Commission and Kering represents a major step forward in the Kingdom's efforts to cultivate a fashion ecosystem that values sustainability and supports the next generation of changemakers in the industry. As the initiative continues to unfold, it promises to drive meaningful change, encouraging the growth of innovative startups and solutions that will shape the future of fashion for generations to come.