Istituto Marangoni, Fashion Commission Partner on Fashion Education in Saudi Arabia

Istituto Marangoni, one of the world’s leading fashion and design schools, has announced the launch of its Riyadh campus in August 2025, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission. The new Higher Training Institute will be based at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), within the Riyadh Creative District (RCD), an initiative managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). The move marks a significant step in developing Saudi Arabia’s fashion ecosystem and supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a global hub for fashion and innovation, blending its rich cultural heritage with technological advancement and urban transformation. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has been instrumental in attracting prestigious creative institutions to the Riyadh Creative District, and Istituto Marangoni’s decision to establish a campus there underscores the city’s strategic role in shaping the region’s fashion industry. The Fashion Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, has conducted in-depth market analyses to ensure that the new institute aligns with the needs of Saudi Arabia’s fashion and luxury market and contributes to economic diversification.

Istituto Marangoni’s expansion into Riyadh follows a strategic initiative to nurture local talent. The institute will offer a three-year undergraduate Advanced Training Diploma, with 50 scholarships available for Saudi students. This initiative, launched on March 17, 2025, aims to provide aspiring Saudi fashion professionals with world-class education and training.

Key Details

The new campus will offer specialized programs designed to integrate Saudi heritage with advanced technical and managerial expertise. The curriculum includes courses such as Fashion Design & Accessories, Fashion Communication & Image, Fashion Management, Digital Communication & Media, Fashion Product, and Fragrances & Cosmetics Management. These programs will be accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), ensuring they meet global industry standards. In addition to undergraduate degrees, the institute will provide upskilling and reskilling courses for industry professionals in full-time and part-time formats, delivered by a distinguished faculty of international and local experts.

Stefania Valenti, Group Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, expressed her gratitude to the Fashion Commission, the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and the Ministry of Investment for their support. “Our mission is to nurture local creative talent by combining global expertise with Saudi heritage, shaping the future leaders of the fashion and luxury industries in Saudi Arabia,” she said. Burak Cakmak, Chief Executive of the Fashion Commission, added, “This partnership with Istituto Marangoni marks a pivotal moment for the Saudi fashion industry. By investing in our local talent and providing them with world-class education, we are not only empowering the next generation of Saudi designers and leaders but also enriching the global fashion landscape with our unique cultural heritage.”

To celebrate the partnership, a special Suhoor was held at La Petite Maison in Riyadh, bringing together key stakeholders from the Fashion Commission, Istituto Marangoni, and the Saudi creative community.

Implications and Impact

The establishment of Istituto Marangoni’s Riyadh campus is set to have a profound impact on Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry and beyond. By providing high-quality education and training, the institute will help build a sustainable fashion ecosystem, create job opportunities, and position the Kingdom as a leader in the global fashion arena. This initiative also supports the growth of the creative economy, attracting international attention and fostering cultural exchange. The presence of a renowned institution like Istituto Marangoni in Riyadh will further enhance the city’s appeal as a destination for fashion education and innovation, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This partnership directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by investing in human capital, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing the Kingdom’s cultural and creative industries. The Fashion Commission’s collaboration with Istituto Marangoni exemplifies how Saudi Arabia is empowering its youth, preserving its heritage, and fostering a dynamic, knowledge-based economy. As the Kingdom continues to transform, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping a prosperous future and solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in fashion and design.

20 Questions

Q1. When will Istituto Marangoni launch its Riyadh campus?

A1. Istituto Marangoni will launch its Riyadh campus in August 2025, offering specialized programs in fashion and luxury management to support Saudi Arabia’s growing fashion industry.

Q2. Where is the new campus located?

A2. The campus is based at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, within the Riyadh Creative District, managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

Q3. What programs will the campus offer?

A3. The campus will offer a three-year undergraduate Advanced Training Diploma with courses in Fashion Design & Accessories, Fashion Communication & Image, Fashion Management, Digital Communication & Media, Fashion Product, and Fragrances & Cosmetics Management.

Q4. How many scholarships are available for Saudi students?

A4. Istituto Marangoni will provide 50 scholarships for Saudi students enrolling in the program, covering partial funding for the three-year diploma programs.

Q5. Who is eligible for the scholarships?

A5. The scholarships are open to Saudi nationals holding a high school certificate or an equivalent qualification, aiming to support aspiring fashion professionals in the Kingdom.

Q6. When was the scholarship initiative launched?

A6. The scholarship initiative was officially launched on March 17, 2025, on the Istituto Marangoni website through a competitive selection process.

Q7. What is the role of the Fashion Commission in this partnership?

A7. The Fashion Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, supports the launch of the Advanced Training Diploma and collaborates with Istituto Marangoni to develop local talent and promote the fashion industry.

Q8. Who accredited the programs?

A8. The programs will be accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), the government agency overseeing technical and vocational education in Saudi Arabia.

Q9. What did Stefania Valenti say about the partnership?

A9. Stefania Valenti, Group Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities and emphasized the mission to nurture local talent by combining global expertise with Saudi heritage.

Q10. What did Burak Cakmak say about the collaboration?

A10. Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, called it a pivotal moment, highlighting the investment in local talent and the enrichment of the global fashion landscape with Saudi cultural heritage.

Q11. Will the campus offer courses for professionals?

A11. Yes, in addition to undergraduate programs, the institute will provide upskilling and reskilling courses for industry professionals in both full-time and part-time formats.

Q12. Who will deliver the programs?

A12. The programs will be delivered by a distinguished faculty composed of both international and local experts, ensuring a high-quality educational experience that meets global industry standards.

Q13. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030 by investing in human capital, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing the Kingdom’s cultural and creative industries, empowering Saudi youth.

Q14. What was the event held to mark the partnership?

A14. A special Suhoor was held at La Petite Maison in Riyadh, bringing together key stakeholders from the Fashion Commission, Istituto Marangoni, and the Saudi creative community.

Q15. Why did Istituto Marangoni choose Riyadh for its campus?

A15. Riyadh was chosen for its dynamic creative ecosystem, growing demand for high-level fashion education, and its strategic role in shaping the future of the industry in the region.

Q16. What is the Riyadh Creative District?

A16. The Riyadh Creative District is an initiative managed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, designed to attract creative industry tenants and foster innovation in the Saudi capital.

Q17. How will the campus contribute to the Saudi economy?

A17. By developing local talent and creating a sustainable fashion ecosystem, the campus will contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and the growth of the creative economy.

Q18. Will the courses integrate Saudi heritage?

A18. Yes, the curriculum integrates Saudi heritage with advanced technical and managerial expertise, preparing students for careers in the global fashion industry while embracing local culture.

Q19. What is the duration of the diploma programs?

A19. The diploma programs are three years in duration, commencing in late August 2025, and are designed to equip students with comprehensive skills for the fashion industry.

Q20. Who supported the establishment of the institute?

A20. The Fashion Commission, Ministry of Culture, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and Ministry of Investment provided invaluable support for establishing the Higher Training Institute.

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