DUBAI: Hia Hub, Saudi Arabia’s conference for fashion, beauty and lifestyle, returned this week for its fourth edition in Riyadh’s JAX district, featuring discussions, masterclasses, workshops, interactive exhibitions and live performances.

Among the highlights were several appearances by Patrick Chalhoub, president of Chalhoub Group, where he and the guest speakers discussed the latest developments in the skincare industry as part of “The Skincare Edition: Unfiltered” summit.

“The whole idea of the summit is to take our visitors — be it professionals, skincare lovers, or customers who don’t have enough knowledge — through different experiences,” Chalhoub told Arab News ahead of the event.

“They get to diagnose their skin, so they know which areas to focus on, but in a playful way, where people come and engage in all these different experiences, each one brought by a different brand. They’ll learn more in a non-commercial way, almost like a discovery game.”

Speaking about the skincare landscape in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, Chalhoub said he had noticed different trends among younger and older consumers.

“The more mature group, I would say, tends to be quite traditional in their skincare habits. They prefer brands they know and trust more than anything,” he said.

“Although mature women are the ones who might benefit more from extensive skincare routines, they tend to use fewer products that target specific needs.”

By comparison, people under 30, including men, were “much more conscious of their wellness,” Chalhoub said.

“They use skincare products more frequently and are willing to experiment with innovative products, even with brands that are not necessarily very popular.

“They read more. They are more curious and adventurous, which is why South Korean and Japanese brands, even though they’re not that well known here yet, are making a strong impact in the region.

“Asia has such a big skincare market, with a lot of laboratory research,” he said.

Chalhoub also discussed how climate and culture can influence people’s skincare habits.

“For example, in the Gulf region in general and Saudi Arabia in particular, we know the sun here is very strong. So, sunscreen and products that protect against sun-related damage are essential here.”

People also used more moisturizers to ease the irritation of sun-dried skin, he said.

Chalhoub said that while he believed an era of homegrown skincare products could be on the horizon, it was not an easy industry to break into.

“There is a certain level of research and professionalism required in order to be able to do it,” he said.

“It’s not just about creating packaging and making it attractive, you really need to make sure that the product contains high-quality ingredients. Entering the skincare market will always be more complex.”

RIYADH: Narma, the label founded by Saudi designer Nouf Al-Rashed, showcased its inaugural collection, titled Agal, in London this month. 

The womenswear line features the black cord of the agal — the Arab men’s clothing accessory that keeps the ghutrah in place — as a central theme throughout each piece. 

“The Agal collection is inspired by the rich heritage of the Middle East, particularly the agal, a symbol of honor, pride, and identity,” Al-Rashed told Arab News. “By reimagining this traditional piece, we are blending the past with the present, offering modern fashion that pays homage to our roots while embracing a contemporary, global aesthetic. 

“While we are not exclusively a womenswear line, in the context of the agal we do feel drawn to highlight it most,” she continued. “Our womenswear line seeks to empower women with designs that are not only luxurious and beautifully crafted but also deeply connected to a meaningful narrative. It’s about sharing heritage and offering elegant pieces with character. Moreover, the collection is a blend of heritages, a concept that resonates deeply with the Narma brand.” 

The designs prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, moving away from traditional gendered pieces, she explained. 

“In this collection, the agal — a traditional male accessory — has been transformed into a bold and symbolic design element.  As women were traditionally excluded from the Agal, we wanted to bring in the idea of a woman’s crown. We aimed to share this symbol of honor with a female audience, making it more inclusive and accessible to all,” said Al-Rashed.

 Sustainability is also a core principle for Al-Rashed, who is dedicated to crafting durable, ethically-produced ensembles. 

“We use eco-certified fabrics to ensure our materials are responsibly sourced. We also upcycle dead stock fabrics, minimizing waste and promoting circularity in fashion,” she said. “We work with partners who follow fair labor practices and prioritize minimizing environmental impact. Our designs are optimized to eliminate fabric waste, and we embrace a slow-fashion approach, producing just one carefully curated collection each year. By releasing limited editions, we avoid overproduction and remain true to our sustainable values.” 

Al-Rashed also revealed the deep influence that her parents have had on her career. Her mother May Aljabr's philanthropic efforts with the Saudi Cancer Foundation, along with her father Rashed Al-Rashed's achievements in the world of business, have inspired her to make a meaningful impact in her own right, she said. 

While the inaugural showing of the Agal collection was in London, Al-Rashed plans to bring it to the Kingdom before the end of the year. 

“Although the inspiration for the Agal collection is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture, the idea and the brand of Narma were born in London. It felt natural to launch the collection here, in the city that shaped so much of our creative journey. Soon in Riyadh, we will be bringing Narma back to the culture that inspired the collection. 

“We hope to evoke in all audiences the same sense of playfulness, curiosity, imagination, and lightness that we felt while bringing this collection to life.”