Oud Fashion Talks returns to Kuwait, fostering the growth of the creative economy in Kuwait to educate and open doors for the business behind the creative industry. By inviting worldwide industry experts within the fashion and creative realms to share their expertise, it aims to support Kuwaiti creatives in teaching them how to manage a business and build the right infrastructure for the creative industry, OFT’s goal is to bring awareness to the importance of the soft power in growing a whole economy in any country. Additionally, OFT through its program will educate creatives and designers on how to start, to change towards more on sustainable designs, to learn the know-how, to build brands, jobs opportunities, and focus on sustainability.
Oud Fashion Talks was founded with the mission of supporting local designers and businesses in the fashion industry. With the goal to build a clear and efficient infrastructure that connects Kuwaiti talents with the global fashion industry through panel talks and workshops designed to develop the skills and businesses of the creatives, ultimately creating job opportunities in the private sector.
This initiative is important in diversifying income streams and developing the local creative economy as fashion directed businesses can creates thousands of job opportunities. Through Panel sessions, Oud Fashion Talks helps designers and creatives to delve into discussions between experts speakers and industry leaders, the likes of Elie Saab CEO of Elie Saab brand, Imran Amed Founder & Chief Executive of the Business of Fashion, Mohammad Almarzouq CEO of Tamdeen Retail, and many more successful personalities to share their expertise and how to overcome challenges and inspire motivating ideas to build a successful business.
Workshops at Oud Fashion Talks allow designers to dive in-depth into a more step-by-step guidance to the business, partnering with Instagram Inc. through Meta to introduce creatives on how to digitally grow their businesses, professional fashion designers and fashion photographers to provide a clear path to the creatives on how to take a hobby to the next professional level, thus diversifying their income stream. OFT helps Kuwaiti creative brands, by strategically bringing their brands into the spotlight.
Following their involvement, they received attention from prominent investors, such as Bloomingdales and Harvey Nichols, leading to collaboration opportunities. The exposure also attracted a surge of new customers, solidifying the talented creatives’ position in the market. Notably, their networking efforts extended enriches their knowledge and fosters valuable connections, as well as gaining massive exposure in regional and international press to increase awareness for the Creative industry in Kuwait. This exemplifies how strategic participation in relevant events can position a brand, opening doors to collaborations, expanding customer bases, and creating a diverse stream of economy. As a result of OFT, “Ibrah” a local production factory was founded which is proudly supporting the creative economy in the country.
Oud Fashion Talks is proud to partner with the most prestigious sponsors to bring the third edition to life, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Tamdeen Group, Al Tayer Group, Beidoun Group, Al Hajeri Group and Asteri Beauty are amongst the supportive companies that will gain recognition as a forward-thinking companies that supports various fields, aligning with the government’s efforts towards economic diversification. The media coverage this conference receive is massive regionally and internationally. As it will include an opening night in a Gala Dinner format, attended by many celebrities and notable personalities such as Imran Amed, founder & CEO of the business of fashion, Khaled Al Tayer CEO of Al Tayer Group, Bassem Yousef, well known comedian and activist, Dorra Zarouk, talented Egyptian actress, Karen Wazen, global influencer and UN ambassador, KPC top management, Huda Hussien, legendary Kuwaiti actress are some of the highlighted names at the event. Set in a prestigious seated dinner at Al Shaheed Park in the heart of Kuwait City.
Oud Fashion Talks will commence on the 18th of October 2024 with a full-day public event that includes panels, workshops, food trucks, exhibitions, pop-up shops, and many other activities. This year, Oud Fashion Talks is proudly partnering with Kuwait's Touristic Enterprise Company (TEC) to offer free registration to the event.
