The Fashion Commission and the RLC Global Forum have announced a strategic collaboration that will bring global fashion, retail, investment, and policy leaders together in Riyadh, reinforcing the city’s growing role as an international meeting point for shaping the future of the fashion industry. Positioned as a platform for international dialogue on fashion, investment, and long-term sector development, the collaboration reflects a broader shift toward more integrated, globally connected fashion ecosystems.
Launching in February 2026, the initiative will align with the RLC Global Forum taking place on 3 and 4 February 2026, creating a focal point for senior decision makers to engage in forward-looking discussions on fashion as a strategic economic sector.
Fashion as a strategic economic sector
Through a series of joint initiatives, the collaboration will convene leaders to explore themes spanning capital flows, innovation, talent development, and global market expansion. Rather than centering on a single event, the initiative is designed as an ongoing platform for exchange, underscoring fashion’s evolving role at the intersection of culture, commerce, and policy.
The format reflects the increasing recognition of fashion as a driver of economic value and soft power, particularly within fast-growing markets. By bringing together voices from fashion houses, retail groups, investment institutions, and the public sector, the platform aims to foster dialogue that links creativity with economic growth and long-term sector development.
Building a globally engaged fashion ecosystem
At the heart of the collaboration is a shared ambition to elevate international engagement while supporting sector-wide development. Established in alignment with the Ministry of Culture’s objectives, the Fashion Commission plays a central role in enabling the Kingdom’s fashion sector across the entire value chain — from design and production through development and product lifecycle management.
Its strategy recognizes fashion as both a cultural pillar and an economic asset, amplifying Saudi heritage and identity while responding to global industry needs. By driving investment, shaping regulatory frameworks, and supporting local talent, the commission is working to build a fashion ecosystem that is sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, said: “Fashion today is deeply connected to global culture, capital, and influence. This collaboration creates a space for meaningful dialogue between international leaders and the wider fashion ecosystem. It reflects our commitment to building a globally engaged, future focused fashion sector that is open, connected, and ready for long-term growth.”
Connecting ideas, markets, and decision makers
The RLC Global Forum brings a complementary perspective, embedding fashion within broader global conversations around investment, leadership, and transformation. The collaboration aligns fashion more closely with cross-sector decision making, reflecting how capital, policy, and creative industries increasingly intersect.
Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum, commented: “This collaboration brings fashion into broader global conversations around investment, leadership, and transformation. Working alongside the Fashion Commission, we look forward to contributing to a platform that connects ideas, markets, and decision makers shaping the future of the industry.”
Further details on joint activations, programming, and international participation will be announced in the coming weeks, as the collaboration continues to take shape. As Riyadh strengthens its position as a convening point for global industry leaders, the Fashion Commission remains a driving force in shaping a future-facing fashion sector that balances cultural identity with international relevance.
