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Navigate the Fashion Industry Evolution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Navigate the Fashion Industry Evolution in the Kingdom “What is life without
The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further challenges and than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before. achievements?” - Albert Einstein
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The Retail People Magazine had an opportunity to interview Ghadi Ali, CEO of the Saudi International Fashion Council. Ghadi’s vision is to empower youth, entrepreneurs and inspire women to learn and grow in their careers.
Share with us a brief info about yourself. How would you describe yourself in three words?
I’m a Saudi Entrepreneur, started my journey at an early age, strategic & creative thinker, dynamic leader, a business consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. To describe me in three words, I would say I’m creative, innovative, and ambitious.
How is the Fashion Industry in Saudi?
2020 has been a tough year for everyone. Many businesses find themselves in a challenging situation, though, there are business leaders that start to adopt a new strategy to save their business and employees. There is an accelerated shift from retail stores to e-commerce and this results in huge competition between the two. As we look back, we realized that Saudi Fashion is changing and moving forward. Everything is accelerated, consumer behavior changes and we buy in faster cycles. Today, Saudi has a strong fashion marketplace and an amazing market opportunity for all brands/businesses to realize unmatched commercial success.
Where do you think the Fashion Industry lead us in the next 5 years?
It’s not easy to predict what can happen in the next 5 or 10 years from now. As an expert, I can navigate that in five different aspects – creativity, transparency, emotion, simplicity and experience. E-commerce will continue to play an important role in the consumers for the next decade. Customers are looking to discover new global brands, enjoy memorable shopping experiences in a safe, fast and convenient way. Today, you will notice that big retail companies started to take new strategic milestone investments with e-commerce. For instance, the brilliant partnership between AlHokair and Vogacloset. They found this investment as an exciting opportunity to accelerate digital transformation. I believe it’s important to manage such growth in our region to take the industry to the next level. Technology will continue to progress and I take this as a positive change. GHADI ALI - CEO SAUDI INTERNATIONAL FASHION COUNCIL
Saudi International Fashion Council was founded in 2019. What was your vision in establishing this platform?
When I launched SIFC, my vision is to present and support all creative designers and entrepreneurs in Saudi and allow them to create a unique bridge with stakeholders. It was disappointing how some media companies focused on some big names and don’t pay attention to hundreds of inspiring designers, powerful women leaders working really hard to take Saudi fashion to the next level.
Recently, SIFC organized the international women’s day campaign to convey a message of appreciation, thanks, and love to all creative and inspiring women in our Saudi society. We present powerful and inspiring women from different industries because women had always been the pillar and driving force.
What would be your advice to those who are aspiring to join the fashion industry?
Be creative and don’t waste your energy thinking about the end results. Believe in your ability and follow your passion, because passion will drive your business to success. Surround yourself with great inspiring and positive people who will encourage you and provide you the best advice.
