When mentioning the Middle East people have different initial associations, but one that is sure to come up is this part of the world’s rich cultural importance and impact.
Recently, the focus has shifted to the growing potential of its market, especially when it comes to fashion.
Impact on fashion
Looks we got to see displayed on runways of this year’s Paris couture fashion week, but other ones held around the world as well, offered a wide variety of headwear and head-coverup solutions.
The supply is slowly but surely adapting to the needs of high-end consumers in rich parts of the Middle East, giving a fashion-forward alternative to traditional options for those who are in search of them, whether it’s for everyday life or just a short visit.
An increase in the appearance of long sleeves, opera-style gloves, and modest looks, often in combination with a headpiece, was noticeable in most fall ready-to-wear collections for 2023. As opposed to just a few years prior, closed necklines and a tendency to show less skin are slowly but surely reappearing in shown collections for those who like to take more of a traditional approach when dressing.
Growing potential
When asked which regions they view as having the most promising growth prospects in 2023 versus 2022, fashion executives put the Middle East in first place, and 55% of them agreed the region’s potential is more promising than in the year prior.
Fashion can bring plenty of opportunities for residents of this region, employing numerous individuals across the area - from North Africa’s proximity to textile manufacturing to Abu Dhabi’s concentration of retail spaces. It is a well-known fact that Dubai is the home to one of the biggest malls in the world that offers much more than just shops to its millions of visitors and provides jobs for employees in more than 1200 stores and 200 restaurants.
Many resources are available, not only financial, but in many other fields as well which makes hosting events like Dubai Fashion Week (formally known as Arab Fashion Week) easier.
Middle Eastern designers have already made a name for themselves, from Elie Saab to Zuhair Murad, highly established in the world of fashion. Having creatives of such importance connected to any fashion event gives it needed validity and opens the door for other, younger designers looking for their place underneath the sun.
Hosting events of bigger magnitude would not impose an issue on the mentioned region. The 2022 World Cup was great practice for Qatar and neighboring countries and proved they are ready to accommodate a large number of visitors at once, without any issues.
Opportunities outside of fashion
WGSN reports on the growing potential of the halal beauty market, with global spending forecasted to reach $93 billion by 2025, specifically hair products focused on solving problems (such as irritation and bolding) that may occur after extended periods of having one’s hair covered.
Raeesa Brey, a WGSN researcher based in Cape Town, suggests taping into the Ramadan economy, worth over $200 million in the United Kingdom alone, and celebrating Islamic festivities with halal-certified gifts, countdown calendars, and limited edition collections.
There is also a growing need for halal logistic solutions, that ensure all of the raw materials and products are stored properly throughout the whole supply chain.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!
For more fashion-related content make sure you follow @YOUWOREMEOUT on Instagram!