Kering Generation Award Celebrates Innovative Sustainable Startups In Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Fashion Commission, in partnership with Kering, recently revealed the winners of the first "Kering Generation Award X Saudi Arabia" during a ceremony in Riyadh. This initiative highlights startups making sustainable strides in fashion. The event concluded a thorough selection process that invited Saudi startups to apply, judged on customer engagement, circular economy practices, and water conservation.

The winners were celebrated for their innovative sustainability projects. Amused, an e-commerce platform by Sara Teymoor Banaja and Mansoor Banaja, focuses on pre-loved clothing to promote circular fashion. Asteri, founded by Sara Alrashid, is a luxury beauty brand offering ethically sourced products for Middle Eastern women. Darah Solutions Lab, led by Rawan Alderaibi, recycles textiles into new products to reduce waste.

A panel discussion titled "Sustainable Innovation in Fashion: Shaping the Future of the Industry" was part of the event. It featured insights from Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering's Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, and Carolin Wais from Plug and Play. They discussed how sustainable practices are shaping the future of fashion globally.

Marie-Claire Daveu expressed pride in the award's success and noted: "The high number of applications and the exceptional quality of the projects reflect a strong indication that Saudi Arabia has started integrating sustainable innovations into its future plans." This sentiment underscores the growing focus on sustainability within Saudi Arabia's fashion sector.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, stated: "The Kering Generation Award seeks to discover and empower visionaries in sustainability. It supports ideas that can reshape the future of fashion in Saudi Arabia and globally." This award aims to foster innovation that respects both environmental needs and community upliftment.

The collaboration between the Saudi Fashion Commission and Kering highlights their commitment to nurturing promising startups. These efforts aim to achieve sustainable impacts within both local and global fashion industries. The partnership opens doors for innovators today to become leaders tomorrow.

Mentorship Opportunities

The three winning startups will engage in a week-long mentorship program with Kering’s sustainability teams in Paris. They will also present their projects at ChangeNOW 2025 Summit, providing them with opportunities to expand internationally. This exposure is expected to enhance their growth potential significantly.

This initiative not only supports local talent but also aligns with broader goals for sustainable development within the fashion industry worldwide. By encouraging such innovative approaches, it paves a path for more environmentally conscious practices across various sectors.

With inputs from SPA