A Year of Marangoni Riyadh: How Is a New Generation of Saudi Fashion Taking Shape?
Istituto Marangoni Riyadh has completed its first year in the Saudi capital, marking the rapid growth of the local fashion ecosystem and its transition from showcasing talent to building more specialized educational and professional pathways. The first anniversary of the Riyadh branch comes as opportunities for Saudi designers expand and links grow between academic education, local brands and the global fashion market.
A First Year in a Fast-Growing Fashion Scene
Anna Zinola, director of the school and education at Marangoni Riyadh, said in comments published by Arab News on September 18, 2026, that the institute’s presence in the King Abdullah Financial District places students in an urban environment that brings together business, architecture, hospitality and the creative industries. She noted that Riyadh students become part of Marangoni’s international network from the moment they join.
The institute officially opened its Riyadh headquarters in September 2025, in the Riyadh Creative District, in partnership with the relevant Saudi authorities. According to Marangoni’s official website, the branch offers three-year advanced diploma programs, as well as one-year intensive programs and professional and short courses. It is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
Saudi Fashion Between Identity and the Global Market
Zinola believes that Saudi consumers are highly informed about global fashion and luxury trends, but are not simply looking for an imported version of the platforms of Milan, Paris or London. Rather, they seek products with cultural relevance, high quality and a distinct identity. This equation has become evident in the rise of Saudi brands that combine local references with a contemporary design language.
Among the examples she cited were Abadia, which blends Saudi heritage with an international sensibility, and 1886, which has developed its own language in streetwear. The profile of mentor Fahad Aljomiah on Marangoni’s website confirms that the institute’s students work directly with the 1886 team on real-world challenges, including developing a strategy to strengthen the brand’s position in Saudi Arabia’s women’s ready-to-wear market.
From Study to Practical Experience
The Riyadh branch’s activities are not limited to classrooms. During its first year, the institute organized sessions, workshops and open meetings, including a specialized lecture on the new generation of Saudi designers. Some of its activities also extended to Jeddah. This model gives students an opportunity to understand design as part of an ecosystem encompassing management, marketing, communications, image and brand-building.
The second year brings an important test: translating the educational momentum into more mature independent brands, specialized creative jobs and broader experimentation in menswear, modest fashion and digital communications. As Saudi brands expand their presence beyond the Kingdom, investment in skills and specialized education becomes an essential element in sustaining this growth.
