CHALHOUB GROUP LAUNCHES THE FASHION LAB COHORT 2 IN KSA TO EMPOWER LOCAL TALENTS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

(MENAFN- Tales & Heads)
•Applications are open for 10 Saudi fashion brands specialising in ready-to-wear, accessories, handbags, and jewellery
•Participants will have the unique opportunity to benefit from mentorship, exclusive partnerships, practical experience in retail, paving the way for their collections to reach international markets
•The inaugural cohort of The Fashion Lab produced remarkable success stories showcasing the programme’s impact. Brands such as KAFBYKAF have received significant acclaim

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 28th June 2024: Chalhoub Group announced the launch of the second cohort of the Fashion Lab, powered by The Greenhouse, the Group’s bold space for innovation and entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the Saudi100 programme. Starting today, applications are open for Saudi Arabian fashion brands specialising in ready-to-wear, accessories, handbags, and jewellery. This initiative is part of Chalhoub Group’s continued commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 while fostering local talent and innovation within the Saudi fashion industry.

The Fashion Lab aims to nurture the growth of local fashion brands by offering participants an intensive six-month incubator programme. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills in fashion business fundamentals, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship.

Joaquin Mencia, Chief Innovation Officer at Chalhoub Group, commented: “The Fashion Lab is yet another testament to Chalhoub Group’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the Saudi fashion scene. After the great success of the first cohort of the Fashion Lab, we are launching Cohort 2 with double the efforts and expanding our perks for the next batch of Saudi fashion brands. With the exciting addition of The Greenhouse's newly opened location in Riyadh, we are well-prepared to host Cohort 2 in a dynamic environment designed to nurture creativity and innovation. We are committed to providing an unparalleled experience that will empower the next generation of Saudi fashion brands to thrive and reach new heights.”

The first cohort of The Fashion Lab produced remarkable success stories that highlight the programme’s impact. Brands like KAFBYKAF have gone on to receive significant acclaim. "The Fashion Lab gave KAFBYKAF the unique experience of selling on a Chalhoub Group platform and receiving guidance and exclusive access to senior leaders and retail experts from the Group, which was incredibly valuable to my brand,” said Kawthar Alhoraish, Founder of KAFBYKAF. "I recommend this programme for any brand ready for acceleration.”

“Having worked closely with the brands in the first cohort of The Fashion Lab, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible talent and potential within the Saudi fashion industry," said Joseph Chalhoub, General Manager of Fashion KSA at Chalhoub Group. "This programme is a transformative journey that provides real support, knowledge sharing from retail experts, and commercial opportunities for local brands to thrive.”

This year’s cohort will offer ten Saudi brands a unique chance to gain mentorship and guidance from prestigious partners such as Boltable Studios, Instagram and Snap Inc. The programme will be hybrid, based out of Riyadh, and will feature approximately 30 exclusive mentorship and workshop sessions. Successful applicants will have the rare opportunity to bring their collections to life on one of Chalhoub Group’s sales channels.

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