Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a hub for creativity, sustainability, and innovation in the fashion industry. At the forefront of this transformation is Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission. With a career spanning global fashion giants, academic leadership, and sustainability advocacy, Cakmak is shaping a fashion ecosystem that blends heritage with innovation while prioritizing ethical and environmental responsibility.
Under his leadership, the Saudi Fashion Commission has launched groundbreaking initiatives that empower local designers, promote sustainable practices, and position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global fashion landscape. His work aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s strategic blueprint to diversify its economy and foster a thriving creative sector.
Through education, policy-making, and industry collaboration, Cakmak is not only redefining Saudi fashion but also ensuring its long-term sustainability on an international scale.
Early Life and Academic Foundation: Pioneering a New Era in Fashion
Burak Cakmak’s journey in the fashion world began with a strong academic foundation and a deep commitment to sustainability. He holds a degree in civil engineering from Middle East Technical University and an MBA in international business from San Francisco State University, equipping him with a multidisciplinary perspective on business, technology, and sustainability.
His expertise in sustainable design and ethical fashion led him to influential roles in academia and the corporate sector, where he championed responsible production methods and environmental stewardship.
Key Areas of Expertise:
- Sustainable fashion and ethical design
- Global fashion supply chains and responsible sourcing
- Industry-focused education and talent development
- Policy development for environmental and social impact
These core principles have guided his career, making him a leading advocate for a more conscious and sustainable fashion industry.
Career Milestones: A Global Leader in Fashion and Sustainability
Before assuming his role at the Saudi Fashion Commission, Burak Cakmak held influential positions in major fashion institutions and luxury brands. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to driving sustainable change in the fashion ecosystem.
1. Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design (2015–2020)
As the Dean of Fashion at the prestigious Parsons School of Design, Cakmak played a key role in shaping the next generation of fashion leaders. His tenure was marked by:
- Curriculum Innovation – Introducing sustainability-focused courses and industry collaborations.
- Industry Partnerships – Working with global brands to integrate ethical fashion principles into business practices.
- Student Empowerment – Providing aspiring designers with the knowledge and tools to create responsible fashion.
His work at Parsons set a new benchmark for fashion education, making sustainability an integral part of the learning experience.
2. Sustainability Leadership at Kering and Swarovski
Cakmak’s expertise in corporate sustainability was honed during his time at Kering, the parent company of luxury brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent. He later led sustainability initiatives at Swarovski, where he focused on responsible sourcing and ethical production.
His contributions to these brands included:
- Developing sustainable supply chain strategies that reduced environmental impact.
- Implementing ethical sourcing programs for materials and labor.
- Influencing global policies on responsible luxury fashion production.
By working with some of the most prestigious brands in the world, Cakmak proved that luxury and sustainability can coexist, setting new standards for ethical fashion.
CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission: Driving Industry Transformation
As the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, Burak Cakmak is leading a movement that fosters local talent, sustainability, and global competitiveness within Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry. His vision focuses on:
1. Building a Sustainable Fashion Ecosystem
Cakmak has introduced policies and initiatives that promote eco-friendly materials, ethical production, and circular fashion. Notable initiatives include:
- The development of sustainable fashion hubs to support responsible design and manufacturing.
- Investment in recycling programs and innovative textile solutions to reduce waste.
- Encouraging Saudi designers to adopt environmentally conscious practices in their collections.
By establishing a sustainable infrastructure, he is ensuring that Saudi fashion aligns with global standards while minimizing environmental impact.
2. Empowering Local Designers and Entrepreneurs
Through the Fashion Futures program and industry accelerator initiatives, Cakmak is equipping Saudi designers with the skills, resources, and international exposure needed to compete globally. Key efforts include:
- Fashion incubators and mentorship programs to nurture emerging talent.
- Global collaborations with fashion houses, trade organizations, and industry leaders.
- Grants and funding opportunities to support local designers in scaling their businesses.
These programs not only enhance creative innovation but also ensure that Saudi Arabia’s designers have access to global markets and collaborations.
3. Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s Global Fashion Presence
Under Cakmak’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the international fashion scene. His strategies focus on:
- Showcasing Saudi fashion at major global events, including Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week.
- Strengthening bilateral partnerships with global fashion councils and organizations.
- Launching initiatives that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage through fashion, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
These efforts have positioned Saudi Arabia as a rising force in sustainable and ethical fashion, attracting attention from global investors, designers, and consumers.
Recognitions and Industry Influence
Burak Cakmak’s impact extends beyond Saudi Arabia, as he continues to shape global conversations on sustainability, fashion, and education. His affiliations include:
- Member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)
- Advisor to the United Nations’ Sustainable Fashion Initiative
- Speaker at leading fashion summits, including Copenhagen Fashion Summit and Global Fashion Agenda
His leadership has earned him numerous accolades, reinforcing his status as a pioneer in sustainable fashion.
Vision for the Future: The Next Chapter in Sustainable Fashion
As Burak Cakmak continues to lead the Saudi Fashion Commission, his focus extends beyond immediate industry transformation. He envisions a future where Saudi Arabia becomes a global leader in sustainable fashion innovation, setting a benchmark for the rest of the world.
With the rise of eco-conscious consumers, digitalization, and technological advancements, Cakmak is keen on integrating AI, blockchain, and 3D design technology into Saudi Arabia’s fashion ecosystem. These innovations help brands track supply chains transparently, reduce waste through digital prototyping, and enhance efficiency in sustainable manufacturing.
His long-term vision includes:
- Establishing Saudi Arabia as a top destination for sustainable fashion investments.
- Encouraging zero-waste fashion practices through policy reforms.
- Promoting fashion tech startups that focus on circular economy solutions.
- Strengthening global trade relations to position Saudi designers on leading international platforms.
By blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Cakmak is future-proofing Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry while ensuring its global competitiveness.
Through his unwavering commitment, he is paving the way for a fashion industry that is ethical, innovative, and environmentally responsible—one that inspires future generations of designers and industry leaders worldwide
A Lasting Legacy: Redefining Fashion for a Sustainable Future
Burak Cakmak’s leadership at the Saudi Fashion Commission is revolutionizing the Kingdom’s fashion industry by prioritizing sustainability, nurturing local talent, and expanding Saudi Arabia’s global presence. His commitment to ethical design and responsible innovation is shaping a future where fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about sustainability and cultural storytelling.At Arabian Leaders Magazine, we celebrate Burak Cakmak’s dedication to transforming fashion into a force for positive change. Through his visionary leadership, he is ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry is not only competitive but also sustainable, ethical, and globally influential.
