Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Incubator Enters New Phase

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia‘s Fashion Commission has opened applications for Season 5 of Saudi 100 Brands, unveiling a revamped structure for its flagship program that now targets fashion businesses at every stage of growth — from emerging designers to publicly traded companies

Launched as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 cultural agenda, Saudi 100 Brands provides participating labels with mentorship, masterclasses, and targeted business development opportunities aimed at building commercial capabilities and international market readiness.

After four seasons focused on building foundations and visibility for Saudi designers, the program iis introducing three distinct development pathways calibrated to each brand’s maturity level — a shift from its previous uniform cohort model.

“Saudi 100 Brands continues to evolve in response to the maturity of our ecosystem,” Burak Cakmak, chief executive officer of the Saudi Fashion Commission, told WWD. “With this new season, the program moves into a more focused phase, offering differentiated pathways, deeper strategic support, and clearer growth trajectories. This evolution is about transforming creative momentum into resilient, investment-ready fashion businesses that can scale locally and compete globally.”

The program’s emphasis on commercial viability has already shown results. In 2023, Saudi 100 Brands alumni streetwear label 1886 and luxury brand Abadia secured backing from Turmeric Capital, marking the first international private equity investment in Saudi fashion. The investments from the Singapore-based firm was a milestone that signaled growing global appetite for the kingdom’s emerging design talent.

The Season 5 framework spans couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry, bags and accessories, footwear, fragrance and beauty. Applications are open to any fashion brand with Saudi commercial registration and headquarters in the kingdom.