The Italian fashion and design school Istituto Marangoni marked the first anniversary of its Riyadh branch, reflecting on its initial year and future prospects in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving creative landscape. Established in Milan in 1935, Istituto Marangoni operates internationally, with around 5,000 students enrolled across various global campuses. The Riyadh location, situated in the King Abdullah Financial District, opened its doors to both male and female designers, embracing diversity as a core value of its educational approach.
Anna Zinola, director of the Riyadh institute, highlighted the importance of creating a learning environment that balances professional discipline with creative freedom. She emphasized that the school aims to foster experimentation and individual expression among students, encouraging them to develop their own perspectives rather than follow a uniform style.
Located in one of Riyadh’s most dynamic urban areas, the school benefits from proximity to business, architecture, hospitality, and a rapidly changing cityscape. Zinola described the environment as “porous,” allowing students to engage with a broad creative ecosystem while refining their craft in a supportive space.
Zinola also noted the distinct characteristics of the Saudi market, calling it “an unusually young, informed and fast-moving consumer environment” where over 70 percent of the population is under the age of 35. She observed that Saudi consumers are globally aware and sophisticated, yet have a strong appetite for fashion that is culturally relevant and personalized, rather than simply adopting Western luxury trends.
To engage more broadly with the Kingdom’s creative community, Istituto Marangoni has extended its activities beyond Riyadh, recently holding a masterclass in Jeddah and offering monthly public talks known as “Tuesdays at IM.” These events encourage informal dialogue and networking, which Zinola considers essential to a thriving fashion culture.
Reflecting on the Saudi fashion scene, Zinola praised local brands such as Abadia and 1886 for their successful blending of heritage and contemporary influences. She anticipates the sector will continue to diversify, moving away from a singular visual identity toward a more multifaceted and experimental fashion environment.
Looking ahead to 2027, Zinola expects to see growth in independent brands, specialized creative professions, and a more sophisticated retail culture, alongside innovation in menswear, modest fashion, and digital communication. She remains optimistic about the future, suggesting that new developments will emerge that are difficult to predict at this stage.
Zinola’s advice for incoming students is to approach their studies with curiosity and seriousness, bringing their unique references and perspectives into the creative process. The school’s inaugural year in Riyadh has laid a foundation for nurturing talent that can contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s evolving fashion industry.