RIYADH: Istituto Marangoni, a leading institution in fashion, design and luxury education, recently brought its global perspective to Jeddah for the first time through a masterclass hosted by the Consulate General of Italy at the Park Hyatt.
The event, attended by Leonardo Costa, consul general of Italy in Jeddah, gathered an audience of creatives, industry voices, and aspiring talent, according to a press release issued on Friday.
Marking its first engagement in the city, the evening extended Istituto Marangoni’s dialogue beyond Riyadh, where it established its Saudi presence in 2025.
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The event, attended by Leonardo Costa, consul general of Italy in Jeddah, gathered an audience of creatives, industry voices, and aspiring talent, according to a press release issued on Friday.
It has now expanded into the wider cultural landscape of the Kingdom at a time when fashion is playing an increasingly visible role in shaping identity, expression, and creative industries.
At the center of the program was a masterclass led by Anna Zinola, School and Education director at Istituto Marangoni Riyadh, titled “Decoding Luxury: from elite rarity to everyday prestige.”
The session explored how the meaning of luxury is evolving globally, from traditional notions of exclusivity rooted in craftsmanship to more fluid and culturally driven expressions shaped by accessibility, individuality, and changing consumer expectations.
Through global case studies, the discussion examined how leading brands are redefining luxury across product, experience, and communication, offering a perspective that resonated strongly within the context of Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing fashion market.
Costa said: “Hosting Istituto Marangoni in Jeddah reflects the growing depth of cultural and creative exchange between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
“Fashion is a powerful expression of identity and innovation, and initiatives like this create meaningful connections between international expertise and the Kingdom’s emerging talent.”
Zinola said : “What’s happening in Saudi Arabia right now is incredibly exciting to watch, especially in fashion. There’s a real sense of curiosity, confidence, and individuality coming from this new generation.
“They are not just following global trends, they are interpreting them in their own way. Being in Jeddah for the first time and having the chance to connect directly with this audience has been incredibly inspiring for us.”
Istituto Marangoni is ranked in the Top 50 universities for Art & Design in the QS World University Rankings.
