The Fashion Commission and global luxury group Kering have launched the ‘Kering Generation Award X MENA’ across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for 2026.
The announcement was made during the opening of the RLC Global Forum, hosted at the Embassy of France in Riyadh.
This year’s award builds on the strong success of the 2025 award, which attracted more than 500 applications, shortlisted 21 finalists, and recognized three winners.
Participants benefited from mentorship programs, workshops, and opportunities to strengthen their global presence. Building on this momentum, the 2026 program seeks to expand its impact across the MENA region.
Burak Cakmak CEO – Fashion Commission
“The second edition of the ‘Kering Generation Award’ builds on the strong foundation we established last year, reaffirming sustainability as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s fashion future. Together with Kering, the Fashion Commission is championing the next wave of innovators who are redefining what circularity and environmental responsibility mean for the global fashion industry. By empowering startups with the tools and visibility they need, we are not only nurturing local and international talent but also accelerating the transformation of fashion into a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem.”
This year’s award focuses on four key areas of sustainable fashion: innovation in regenerative materials and clean production, circular design and sustainable business models, nature conservation and animal welfare, and consumer awareness and cultural engagement.
The program targets startups across the MENA region that operate in, or positively influence, the sustainable fashion sector, provided they demonstrate innovation capabilities and the ability to deliver measurable sustainability outcomes.
The Fashion Commission and Kering encourage startups to take the first step toward shaping a more sustainable future for the fashion industry by submitting applications for the Kering Generation Award X 2026.
