DUBAI: On Wednesday, Harrods will kick off its much-awaited The Harrods Hive event in Riyadh. A networking hub aiming to connect industry experts with emerging talent, the two-day affair will be held at Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Gate. Ahead of the event, Arab News spoke to Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, to understand more about Harrods Hive and get his take on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning fashion industry. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle “We started The Harrods Hive as part of our commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the industry, with the aim of forming a community through connecting established industry leaders with rising talent, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed,” explained Ward. On why Harrods chose Saudi Arabia as a destination for the event this year — after previous editions in Dubai and Shanghai — he said that the Kingdom was a “natural” choice. The Harrods Hive was started as part of their commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the industry, said Michael Ward to Arab News. (Supplied) “Given the emerging talent we know is coming through in the creative industries and our Middle Eastern customer base, it was a natural choice to host our next edition of The Hive,” he said. In 2022, Honayda Serafi became the first Saudi designer to be stocked at the iconic department store in London, marking a milestone moment for the Kingdom’s fashion industry. “Honayda was the first female Saudi designer to be stocked at Harrods and the response to the collection was strong, the full gowns and embellishment pieces both sold well,” Ward told Arab News. Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods. (Supplied) On the evolution of the fashion industry in the Kingdom, Ward believes that the nation’s designers bring a fresh new take on fashion. “The creativity within their designs, for example, the use of silhouettes and color, is truly exciting from our perspective. One area that sets these designers apart is their understanding and appreciation of a true eveningwear product — we will continue to keep a close eye on it.” This year, he said, the event in Riyadh will focus on the concept of “Unpacking Luxury.” It will explore the theme of rarity, looking at unique talents, how our perceptions of luxury can be impacted by exclusivity, and how brands can support creative brilliance. Some of the key panelists include Basma Bouzo, co-founder of Saudi Design Week and CEO of the Saudi Design Festival and Shahd Al Shehail, entrepreneur and founder of ethical luxury brand Abadia. The discussions — which will moderated by Hatem Alakeel, designer and founder of Gems of Arabia — will also feature the likes of Rae Joseph, fashion entrepreneur and vintage collector, and Nouf Al-Moneef, an interior architect and designer. “We are lucky to be holding the event at Diriyah Gate, part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which delivers initiatives focused on culture, heritage preservation, and wellness, amongst other areas. This cultural focus aligns with the cherished heritage of Harrods and echoes the theme of rarity and exclusivity found in this inaugural edition of the Saudi Hive — it is the most beautiful setting for these discussions,” Ward said.