In August 2025, the first educational programs will begin at Istituto Marangoni, the very first international fashion institute to open in Riyadh, located in the King Abdullah Financial District. This initiative comes in collaboration with the Fashion Commission and is overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
As the authority responsible for the district, the Commission has successfully attracted a number of prestigious companies and institutions in the creative sector as tenants in the area.
Why Istituto Marangoni?
Istituto Marangoni boasts an exceptionally high employment rate of 91 percent, according to a recent survey conducted by Doxa. The institute has also been ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in its fields, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Its reputation is further affirmed by the success of its alumni, many of whom are among the most prominent names in fashion, including Domenico Dolce (of Dolce & Gabbana), Franco Moschino, Alessandro Sartori (designer at Zegna), and the new creative director of Versace, Dario Vitale.
What Programs Does the Institute Offer?
Istituto Marangoni offers a variety of short courses as well as a three-year undergraduate advanced training diploma. In collaboration with the Fashion Commission, the institute will also provide fifty partial scholarships to Saudi nationals, each valued at 35,300 SAR.
How Can You Qualify for the Scholarship?
It’s simple. Applicants are required to submit a project on the theme: “Bridging the Gap Between Cultural Heritage and Innovation in Fashion.” Once all projects are submitted, applications will be reviewed and the scholarship recipients selected.
We strongly recommend downloading the file linked at the end of this article, which outlines all project details. The scholarships are not limited to fashion and accessories design, but also extend to supporting disciplines such as:
Fashion Public Relations
Digital Communication and Media
Fashion Management
Fashion Products
Perfume and Cosmetics Management
As part of Mansoooj’s commitment to enriching the cultural and educational landscape of fashion, we posed a question to Ms. Hala Al Bassam, Director of Investment and Partnerships at the Fashion Commission, about the details of this collaboration. She stated:
“The partnership with the institute aspires to close educational gaps within the fashion market. The institute’s entry into Saudi Arabia as a foreign investment marks a turning point, as it reflects one of the key goals of Vision 2030—attracting international investment.”
To celebrate this milestone, a suhoor gathering was held at La Petite Maison in Riyadh, bringing together leading figures and influencers in the field. Mansoooj was among the attendees, engaging in discussions about the institute’s role, vision, and mission in shaping the future of fashion in the Kingdom.
📸 Burak Çakmak, captured through Mansoooj’s lens.
In an exclusive interview with Mansoooj, Burak Çakmak, President of the Saudi Fashion Commission 🎤, was asked how Istituto Marangoni differs from Saudi universities in fashion education, and what gaps it aims to fill. He stated:
"Istituto Marangoni has decades of experience in teaching across diverse fields of fashion, while fashion education in Saudi Arabia is still limited to a few specialized areas and lacks diversity. Marangoni brings with it extensive knowledge in disciplines that are not yet offered in Saudi Arabia, along with its expertise and cultural sensitivity. This allows the institute to bridge that gap."
We also asked him whether there is a need to align the curricula they offer with the requirements of the local market. He replied:
"At the Fashion Commission, we are working hard to make these curricula locally relevant and appealing to designers and fashion enthusiasts, while also adding courses that we see as necessary to implement and familiar to Saudis."
🎤 In an interview with Mansoooj, Stefania Valentini, the Managing Director of the institute, was asked about their plans to adapt the institute’s academic programs and integrate Saudi cultural elements to meet the needs and aspirations of local designers. She said:
Stefania Valentini, captured through Mansoooj’s lens.
“Our curricula are the same as those offered across all branches of the institute worldwide. However, we strive to design certain courses tailored to the local and traditional character of each country. For example, here in Riyadh, we were pleased to add specialized courses on modest fashion, and I believe we will inspire talented individuals through our teaching methods.”
We asked her whether it would be possible to see the International Institute of Design offer specialized courses in abaya design and tailoring?
“Of course! I believe the abaya is one of the most remarkable forms of expression of Saudi women’s taste. Given the large number of designers and specialists in this field in Saudi Arabia, the institute will be offering courses dedicated entirely to the abaya. Our ambition is for the program to be international in scope and tailored for professionals.”
And finally, we remind you of the importance of downloading the file and reviewing the specializations, requirements, and dates.
