RIYADH: In a significant move to advance sustainable practices in the global industry, the Saudi Fashion Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding with the French-based luxury conglomerate Kering.
The signing ceremony in Riyadh was attended by Saudi Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak and Kering’s Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer Marie-Claire Daveu.
The pact marks the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at exploring collaborative efforts in several key areas of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The two organizations will seek to establish the Kering Generation Awards that will recognize and celebrate leading sustainable fashion businesses. They will set the award criteria, participant-selection processes, and recipient development.
Additionally, the collaboration features a Regional Sustainability Index, providing fashion enterprises with a roadmap to enhance sustainable practices.
The initiative includes publishing joint reports on achievements, conducting awareness sessions, and aligning with key events in Saudi Arabia’s annual fashion calendar.
Leveraging Kering’s industry expertise, the two parties will focus on customer engagement, the circular economy, and water protection. The aim is to identify pioneering approaches to sustainable materials that can serve as industry standards.
This partnership underscores the Saudi Fashion Commission’s commitment to advancing sustainability across the industry’s value chain, the SPA reported.
Cakmak said: “We are delighted to partner with Kering, whose commitment to sustainability aligns with our mission to foster a forward-thinking, eco-conscious fashion ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Together, we aim to set new standards for sustainability and innovation in the region.”
Daveu said: “This MoU with the Saudi Fashion Commission presents a remarkable opportunity for us to support the growth of sustainable fashion practices in the Kingdom. We look forward to collaborating on initiatives that will contribute to a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.”
The agreement is effective immediately for an initial term of one year, with an option for renewal by mutual agreement.
