Istituto Marangoni—the renowned fashion school behind talents like Domenico Dolce, Franco Moschino, Alessandra Facchinetti, and Rahul Mishra—is officially setting up shop in Riyadh in August 2025. The move marks a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s fashion ambitions, as the country continues to gain momentum on the global stage.
The new campus will be located in Riyadh’s Creative District at KAFD, a fast-developing hub for innovation, culture, and design. It’s a fitting backdrop for Marangoni’s philosophy—one that blends heritage and craftsmanship with a forward-looking approach to fashion education.
So what’s on offer? The Riyadh campus will launch with specialized programs in Fashion Design & Accessories, Fashion Communication & Image, and Fashion Management, among others—all tailored to the local context while maintaining international standards. To kick things off, 50 scholarships were announced on March 17 for Saudi students ready to take their first steps into the fashion world. If you’re a Saudi national with a high school diploma, this could be your moment.
“This partnership with Istituto Marangoni is a game-changer for Saudi fashion,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission. “By investing in local talent and offering world-class education, we’re empowering the next generation of designers and leaders while enriching the global fashion scene with our unique heritage.”
The programs will be accredited by Saudi Arabia’s Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), ensuring that graduates receive a qualification that bridges global fashion practices with regional cultural insight.
“We’re here to combine global expertise with local heritage and create a new generation of fashion leaders who will connect with international markets,” added Stefania Valenti, Group Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni.
As Riyadh emerges as one of the region’s most exciting creative capitals, Istituto Marangoni’s arrival signals more than just the opening of a campus—it’s a sign that the city is ready to take its place on fashion’s world map.
So, is Riyadh about to become fashion’s next capital? With Istituto Marangoni leading the charge, it’s not a question of if—but when.
