The Etoile Group, a leader in the luxury fashion retail industry in the Middle East and Istituto Marangoni Riyadh, the acclaimed Italian Higher Training Institute, have established their partnership to offer students at the new Riyadh campus, guidance, advice and inspiration from the renowned Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of Etoile Group.
An instrumental figure in the growth of the luxury fashion industry in the Middle East over the past forty years, Ingie Chalhoub will offer her industry expertise to students enrolled in both the Summer and upcoming Winter intakes of the three-year Advanced Training Diploma in Fashion Design & Accessories, Fashion Management, Digital Communication & Media, and Fashion Communication & Image at the Higher Training Institute’s Riyadh campus, at KAFD in the Riyadh Creative District (RCD).
Ingie Chalhoub brings with her decades of experience as under her vision and leadership, the Etoile Group has become one of the highest profile names in Middle East fashion retail, launching some of the world’s most respected luxury brands in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon.
Stefania Valenti, Group Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni said, “At Istituto Marangoni we are committed to offering hands-on, innovative and industry-driven education to our students so they not only explore their creativity, but graduate with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be successful in the competitive global fashion industry. Ingie Chalhoub’s professional experience is unmatched and we are delighted her guidance and experience will now extend to our students in Saudi Arabia to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to give them a competitive edge in the marketplace.”
Students participating in the Summer and upcoming Winter intake courses will be offered mentoring sessions, talks and lectures with Ingie Chalhoub, offering a holistic understanding of the industry, from creative concept development to strategic business planning.
Ingie Chalhoub, Founder and President of Etoile Group added, “Partnering with Istituto Marangoni’s team and working with their creative and talented students has been rewarding and insightful, and it’s an honour to continue to support the school’s students at the new campus in Riyadh. In line with global trends, the Middle East’s luxury retail landscape continues to evolve, and central to the Etoile Group is a commitment to supporting education to equip the new generation with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the industry.”
The mentorship culminates with a showcase of students’ work, providing a platform to demonstrate their creative vision. The collaboration between the Etoile Group and Istituto Marangoni comes as part of the Institute’s mission to foster talent and innovation within the fashion industry through hands-on experiences and mentorship initiatives.
The new Istituto Marangoni Riyadh campus is located at KAFD in the Riyadh Creative District (RCD), the new initiative managed and overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC). Opening in August 2025, Istituto Marangoni Riyadh will offer specialised programs designed to align with the needs of Saudi Arabia’s fashion and luxury market and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.
Moreover, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, the Institute offers 50 scholarships to Saudi nationals holding a high school certificate or equivalent qualification, providing local talent with access to world-class education that directly contributes to employability and industry readiness.
In addition to undergraduate programs, the institute will provide upskilling and reskilling courses for industry professionals in both fashion design and fashion management. All programs will be delivered by a distinguished faculty composed of both international and local experts, ensuring a high-quality educational experience that meets global industry standards.
