Istituto Marangoni, one of the world’s leading institutions in fashion, design, and luxury education, brought its global perspective to Jeddah for the first time through an exclusive masterclass hosted by the Consulate General of Italy at the Park Hyatt. The event was held in the presence of H.E. Leonardo Costa, Consul General of Italy in Jeddah, and gathered a curated audience of creatives, industry voices, and aspiring talent.
Marking its first engagement in the city, the evening extended Istituto Marangoni’s dialogue beyond Riyadh, where it established its Saudi presence in 2025, into the wider cultural landscape of the Kingdom at a time when fashion is playing an increasingly visible role in shaping identity, expression, and creative industries.
At the center of the program was a masterclass led by PhD Anna Zinola, School and Education Director at Istituto Marangoni Riyadh, titled “Decoding Luxury: from elite rarity to everyday prestige.” The session explored how the meaning of luxury is evolving globally, from traditional notions of exclusivity rooted in craftsmanship to more fluid and culturally driven expressions shaped by accessibility, individuality, and changing consumer expectations.
Through a series of global case studies, the discussion examined how leading brands are redefining luxury across product, experience, and communication, offering a perspective that resonated strongly within the context of Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing and increasingly influential fashion market.
Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Leonardo Costa, Consul General of Italy in Jeddah, said “Hosting Istituto Marangoni in Jeddah reflects the growing depth of cultural and creative exchange between Italy and Saudi Arabia. Fashion is a powerful expression of identity and innovation, and initiatives like this create meaningful connections between international expertise and the Kingdom’s emerging talent.”
PhD Anna Zinola, School and Education Director at Istituto Marangoni Riyadh, added “What’s happening in Saudi Arabia right now is incredibly exciting to watch, especially in fashion. There’s a real sense of curiosity, confidence, and individuality coming from this new generation. They’re not just following global trends, they’re interpreting them in their own way. Being in Jeddah for the first time and having the chance to connect directly with this audience has been incredibly inspiring for us. It’s exactly these kinds of conversations that open the door for future talent to see fashion as something they can be part of, not just observe.”
Ranked among the Top 50 universities globally for Art & Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 (#45), Istituto Marangoni continues to play a role in shaping conversations around fashion education in Saudi Arabia, engaging with a new generation of creatives and contributing to the Kingdom’s evolving fashion ecosystem.
Source: Riyadh Daily