The Saudi Fashion Commission and luxury group Kering have launched Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia, a competition designed to discover and support innovative startups making a meaningful impact on sustainability within the fashion industry.
This initiative aims to foster circular innovation, focusing on key themes such as customer engagement, the circular economy, and water protection. The collaboration underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to creating a sustainable and innovative fashion industry aligned with global standards.
The launch follows a strategic MoU between the Fashion Commission and Kering, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to promote sustainable practices in the fashion sector.
Fashion Commission Chief Executive Officer Burak Cakmak stated that, “This initiative reflects our commitment to driving innovation and building a sustainable future for fashion in Saudi Arabia.”
Kering Chief Sustainability Officer Marie-Claire Daveu noted that, “Through this partnership, we aim to inspire the next generation and foster impactful change in the Saudi fashion ecosystem.”
Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia
According to the statement, the application process is now open to startups based in or expanding into Saudi Arabia. By December, 20 finalists will be shortlisted to participate in a boot camp in Riyadh.
Finalists will undergo mentorship and workshops to refine their key performance indicators (KPIs) and pitching skills. The top 10 proposals will advance to the jury evaluation phase, judged on innovation, sustainability, and commercial potential. The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony in January 2025 in Riyadh, where the top three winners will be announced.
These winners will receive a 10-day mentorship trip to Paris with Kering’s sustainability teams and an opportunity to showcase their innovations at the Change-Now Summit 2025, as per the statement.
