The esteemed Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 Class of 2025 has welcomed two prominent figures from the Middle East: celebrated actress and model Tara Emad, and Saudi Arabian designer Ahmed Hassan, co-founder of the influential streetwear label KML. This annual index, curated by the London-based platform The Business of Fashion, identifies and honors individuals who are profoundly shaping the global fashion landscape, encompassing designers, creatives, models, executives, and entrepreneurs.
The Prestigious BoF 500 Recognition
The BoF 500 is more than just a list; it is a definitive professional index that chronicles the most influential people driving change and innovation within the fashion industry. Each year, a select group of 100 new inductees are chosen based on their significant impact, industry nominations, and extensive editorial research. The list is designed to reflect the evolving nature of fashion influence, moving beyond traditional fashion capitals to highlight talent from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds. This year’s BoF 500 Class of 2025 features 100 new names hailing from 30 countries, representing 40 nationalities, underscoring the increasingly globalized nature of fashion leadership.
Tara Emad: A Multifaceted Fashion Force
Tara Emad, an actress and model of Montenegrin-Egyptian heritage, has established herself as a significant cultural figure across the Middle East and North Africa. Her journey in the fashion world began at the young age of 14, and she has since graced numerous magazine covers and walked for international designers. Emad’s career has seen a notable expansion into acting, with prominent roles in Arabic productions such as the adaptation of “Suits,” Netflix’s drama “Catalog,” and the film “Darwish”.
Her influence in fashion extends beyond modeling and acting. In 2022, Emad made history as the first fragrance and beauty ambassador for Chanel in the Middle East and also became a regional ambassador for Cartier. Her consistent presence on red carpets and her advocacy for regional designers have cemented her status as a recognizable face with a strong international presence, bridging global luxury with Arab identity.
Ahmed Hassan: Redefining Saudi Streetwear
Ahmed Hassan, alongside his brother and business partner Razan, is making significant strides as the co-founder of KML, a Saudi Arabian streetwear label. KML is celebrated for its bold aesthetic that infuses local cultural influences, reinterpreting traditional Saudi garments for a contemporary audience. The brand draws inspiration from the gender-neutral, utilitarian dress of Saudi Bedouin culture, offering garments designed for versatility and cultural relevance.
Hassan’s inclusion in the BoF 500 is a testament to the growing prominence of Saudi Arabia’s creative scene in the global fashion arena. KML’s trajectory has been marked by notable achievements, including being a semifinalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize in 2022. Supported by initiatives like the Fashion Commission, KML has had the opportunity to showcase its collections at fashion weeks in Paris, Riyadh, and Milan, bringing Saudi design to the international stage. The brand’s innovative approach, blending heritage with modern streetwear, has garnered critical acclaim and positions Hassan as a visionary in regional fashion.
The Growing Influence of Middle Eastern Fashion
The inclusion of Emad and Hassan in the BoF 500 underscores a broader trend of increasing Middle Eastern influence in the global fashion industry. The region is rapidly emerging as a significant player, moving from being a historical importer of trends to a nascent exporter of fashion and culture. Fashion weeks in Dubai and Riyadh are gaining international prominence, and regional designers are increasingly being recognized on global platforms. This recognition signifies a shift in the fashion world’s center of gravity, highlighting diverse creative voices and visions that enrich the global fashion narrative. The success of KML, with its unique cultural narrative, and Tara Emad’s multifaceted career, exemplifies this dynamic evolution, bringing fresh perspectives and talent to the forefront of global fashion news and trends.
