With a wide participation of international and Kuwaiti fashion designers

• Ahmed Al Amir: Gulf Bank will be there to support and empower youth wherever they are
• Lujain Al-Qenaei: The bank places entrepreneurs at the forefront of its priorities
• Abdullah Al-Mulaifi: We are pleased with the large attendance of the public and those interested in fashion

Amidst a wide presence of fashion enthusiasts and ongoing events, Gulf Bank and Oud, concluded the second edition of Oud Fashion Talks, which was held over two days at Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre, from May 11 to 12, 2023. The conference witnessed the participation of international and Kuwaiti designers, as well as representatives of the sponsoring companies: Tamdeen Group, Maserati Kuwait, Yeprem Jewelry and Beidoun Company.

During his press statement, the Deputy General Manager of Gulf Bank, Mr. Ahmed Al-Amir, expressed his happiness with the success of the conference in achieving its objectives, for the second consecutive year, and for the ability of Kuwaiti designers to attract the attention of their international counterparts, with their magnificent and unique designs.

Al-Amir said: "We continued to work on the second edition to provide more support for young designers and creators, and to help provide them with a global opportunity – given the importance of this sector and the increasing interest and demand from entrepreneurs and youth in Kuwait."

He added: "We were keen to enrich this year’s conference with a larger number of designers and added workshops to encourage the exchange of experiences between international and Kuwaiti designers. This helps young designers gain new experiences, enabling them to keep pace with the latest developments in the fashion industry.”

Al-Amir pointed that the first edition of the conference shed light on sustainable fashion, and we were keen to develop the second edition by adding interactive workshops that provide the necessary environment for young Kuwaiti designers to interact with international experts, adding that: "without interactions and engagement, there will be no cooperation or development of talents and ideas.”

Al-Amir mentioned that Gulf Bank will spare no effort in financing entrepreneurs in the fashion industry who meet the SMEs criteria, in order to help them grow and expand. He also referred to Gulf Bank's role in supporting various initiatives, aimed at consolidating the principles of sustainability in society; especially those related to youth, entrepreneurs and SMEs. Al-Amir noted that such initiatives aid in enhancing the Bank’s role in developing the national economy and support Gulf Bank's 2025 strategy and Kuwait Vision 2035.

He continued: "At Gulf Bank, we believe in our role in supporting young talents and helping them grow and expand in the fashion industry – by providing the required support to develop their talents, their ideas and help them achieve their dreams, building their projects and lead their future.”

In his final statement, he advised young people, and talented designers wishing to develop, to aim high and to work with diligence and perseverance – stressing that those who have a talent will inevitably find someone to support them in achieving their goals and developing their project, adding: “We will support and empower youth wherever they are.”

Youth and Entrepreneurs

During the fourth session of the conference, Gulf Bank's Corporate Communications Manager, Ms. Lujain Al-Qenaei, reviewed Gulf Bank's role in supporting youth and entrepreneurs in the field of entrepreneurship, including designers and talented young people in the fashion industry.

Al-Qenaei stressed Gulf Bank's keenness to actively participate in various events that support young talents in Kuwait, as part of its continuous efforts to spread the culture of entrepreneurship among young people, help them achieve their ambitions, and grow their businesses.

She added: "With the increase in the number of entrepreneurs and the demand of young people for self-employment, supporting economic sustainability has become a necessary requirement in Kuwait, which is why Gulf Bank has placed SMEs at the forefront of its priorities within its 2025 strategy. Al-Qenaei mentioned that the bank provides SMEs with a wide range of financing and non-financing services, that are designed specifically to help them develop and expand, adding, "During the conference, we were keen to host entrepreneurs who have succeeded in many economic sectors to review their experiences and be a source of inspiration for young people."

Youth Energies

Gulf Bank’s Assistant Manager of Corporate Communications, Mr. Abdullah Al-Mulaifi, said: "We are pleased today with the large attendance of the public, and those interested in the world of fashion and their keenness to participate in five discussion sessions and various workshops.”

He added: "At Gulf Bank, we are eager to support youth energies in various fields, and help them excel and develop – by providing all means of success that support their access to higher levels. Kuwait is full of passionate and creative youth who have creative ideas that deserve attention and support.”

Six Discussion Sessions and Four Workshops

The first day of the conference witnessed six discussion sessions with the participation of a group of experts and specialists, and the second day of the conference witnessed the four workshops moderated by Kuwaiti and international experts and designers.

International Experts Praise The Innovations of Kuwaiti Designers

During their tour of the exhibition throughout the conference, international experts praised the various exhibits created by young Kuwaiti designers – noting that the exhibition witnessed pieces by 11 Kuwaiti designers, where two of them were jewelry designers and two shoe designers.

Mohammad Jaafar: It’ s only a matter of time before we hear of successful fashion entrepreneurs from Kuwait

In the second session, “Making Kuwaiti Fashion Companies an Attractive Investment,” the Managing Partner of Faith Capital Holding, Mr. Mohammed Jaafar, stated that, “When it comes to fashion, it’s clear that it is a huge segment internationally, but we need to see more of it locally.”

He added: “We know that life of an entrepreneur is very difficult, and they always need to find a way to survive. The issue of very talented individuals is not exposure, but it’s how to take their business to the next level. We help diminish those frustrations and support them on their journey.”

He concluded saying: “I truly believe that with persistence and patience, it’s only a matter of time before we hear of successful fashion entrepreneurs from Kuwait.”

The third session: The gap between this region and the rest of the world narrows

The third session witnessed the Founder of Ibrah, Shahad Al Sabeeh and the Head of Design at The Giving Movement, Khairunisa Suhail, discussing the topic of "Shaping A New Era of Arab Style.”

The speakers in the session pointed that the gap is narrowing between the GCC region and other countries globally, noting that Kuwaiti customers are extremely fashion forward, bold, and brave and that they keep all of this in mind for their designs.

They added: “We’ve got so much culture, history, and a bright future here, and really embracing the heritage, is key for this generation and helps us revolutionize our fashion and shape our aesthetic.”