The Business of Fashion is pleased to announce the latest confirmed speakers for BoF CROSSROADS 2025, our new invitation-only gathering of top business and creative leaders focused on seizing opportunities in the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Her Highness Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, Al Tayer Insignia managing director and Ounass chief executive officer Khalid Al Tayer, and Rym Beydoun, the Lebanese-born, Côte d’Ivoire-raised designer of Super Yaya, are the latest experts to join speakers from 17 countries across the Global South.
Also joining the speaker lineup are:
- Sandeep Kataria, chief executive of multinational footwear giant Bata (Switzerland)
- Nada Al-Tuwaijri, chief executive and vice chairman of entertainment company Merwas (Saudi Arabia)
- Carla Fernandez, pioneering designer and social justice activist (Mexico)
- Jaggy Glarino, founder and designer of his namesake brand (Philippines)
- Felipe Matayoshi, founder and creative director of streetwear brand Pace (Brazil)
They join leading Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Thai actress Praya Lundberg, chief executive of Indonesian modest fashion brand Buttonscarves Linda Anggrea and more in-depth discussions across our three content sessions:
Session 1: OPPORTUNITIES
From rising manufacturing hubs to burgeoning currents of soft power, global businesses can no longer afford to neglect the opportunities unfolding in the global south. Here we unpack the most exciting shifts taking place across the world’s fastest-growing markets, and broader implications for the fashion, luxury and beauty industries.
Session 2: EXECUTION
With so much to learn, who’s making the most of fashion’s shifting centre of gravity? We’ll meet and glean insights from the best-in-class creatives, executives and entrepreneurs leveraging changing market dynamics for sustainable growth.
Session 3: IMMERSION
To gain first-hand knowledge and understanding of the vibrant retail, cultural and creative scene in Dubai, we will break up into smaller groups to experience some of the most exciting new developments in the city’s fast-changing landscape.
For the full list of confirmed speakers click here.
A limited number of invitation-only tickets remain to join us in person at the One&Only One Za’abeel Hotel in Dubai. To request an invitation, please complete this form.
If you are interested in speaking opportunities, please contact niamh.coombes@businessoffashion.com
To learn more about partnership opportunities, please click here.
BoF CROSSROADS 2025 is made possible in part by our partners Diriyah Company, Ounass and Kerzner International, owner of One&Only luxury resorts.
Her Highness Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud is the founder of Culture House, a creative agency specialising in cultural activations and innovative communication solutions. After successfully leading high-profile, large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia, including the Kingdom’s first- ever Fashion Week, Her Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal AlSaud joined the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission, where she shaped the nation’s fashion industry strategy and launched Saudi Arabia’s first fashion mentorship programs. Recognized for her leadership, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2023 and appointed Chairwoman of the Forbes Middle East Women’s Summit. In 2024, Al Othaim Investment appointed her as Advisor to the Group CEO and later as CEO of Al Othaim Culture where she spearheaded fashion and cultural initiatives. That same year, Princess Noura was recognized among the BOF 500, the definitive index of global fashion leaders, further solidifying her influence in the industry. After completing her mission with Al Othaim in early 2025, she resumed her role as CEO of Culture House, continuing her work in driving cultural innovation and creative strategies
Sandeep Kataria is the Global CEO of Bata Brands, based in Lausanne, Switzerland since December 2020. Kataria brings deep experience with global, consumer facing businesses and leading international brands, having served as the CEO of Bata India since 2017 after successful stints at Unilever, YUM Brands and Vodafone in Europe and India. He brings a powerful combination of strategic thought leadership, a profound commitment to people development and deep belief in the value of outstanding products and operations excellence.
Nada Al-Tuwaijri is the chief executive and vice chairman of Merwas, a leading global digital multimedia-technology, content creation, and production company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Under her leadership, Merwas offers artists access to top-industry expertise, world-class services, and cutting-edge facilities, driving innovation, collaboration, and production of multimedia content. Before joining Merwas, Al-Tuwaijri began her career as a journalist at Al Arabiya, the largest Arab and international news media company in the Middle East and North Africa region. Al-Tuwaijri also held prominent roles at Edelman, the Saudi Ministry of Media, and the MiSK Foundation. Al-Tuwaijri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government from Kingston University, London, and a Master’s Degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Westminster.
Khalid Al Tayer is the Managing Director of Al Tayer Insignia, the retail business of Al Tayer Group, and the CEO of Ounass, its proprietary luxury ecommerce site. Al Tayer Insignia represents over 60 luxury, lifestyle, beauty and hospitality brands including Harvey Nichols-Dubai, Bloomingdale’s (Dubai and Kuwait), Armani, Coach, Boucheron, Kiehl’s, and Gap. It has established Joint Venture arrangements with Kering (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen), LVMH (Bulgari, Loro Piana, and Guerlain), Prada Group (Prada and Miu Miu), Ermenegildo Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Jimmy Choo, Thom Browne, and MCM. Khalid currently serves on the Boards of Taaleem, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores, the Fashion Commission at the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Retail Business Group at the Dubai Chamber. Prior to joining Al Tayer Group in 2005, Khalid founded an internet startup (makook.com),and worked a tMcKinsey & Co. and Emirates Financial Services. Khalid graduated with a Bachelor of Science in entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and economics from Babson College in the US in 1999.
Carla Fernández is a designer, activist and founder of the fashion brand of the same name. A pioneering figure in her native Mexico, Fernández has been at the forefront of the ethical fashion movement for years. Through a diverse range of collaborations with 200 artisans across 16 Mexican states, she helps document and preserve the rich textile heritage of Mexico’s indigenous communities through her brand. One of her three stores in the country, the Calle Marsella location in Mexico City, doubles as a home for folk art, promoting the work of indigenous, mestizo and Afro-Mexican communities. Blending the avant-garde with ancient handicrafts and sustainable sourcing practices, her signature style has earned her a cult following across Latin America. In 2018, she presented her manifesto ‘Fashion as Resistance’ at the Victoria & Albert (V&A) in London, alongside pieces from five collections highlighting the designer’s commitment to decolonisation, intersectionality and social justice. The same year, Fernández was the recipient of Design Miami’s Design Visionary Award. In 2023, she was the subject of an exhibition at La Galerie du 19M, Chanel’s Metiers d’Art centre in Paris.
Felipe Matayoshi is the Founder and Creative Director of PACE. He has provided design consulting for companies within the Arezzo Group and Havaianas. In 2021, he was named to the Forbes Under 30 list. In 2024, he received the GQ Brazil Men of the Year award in fashion and was recognized as one of the Hypebeast100 Next.
Rym Beydown is the founder and creative director of Super Yaya, a brand that explores West African culture and textiles. After graduating from Central Saint Martins’ womenswear program, the Lebanese-born, Côte d’Ivoire–raised creative Beydoun returned home to launch her brand in 2015. As a fourth-generation member of a Lebanese immigrant family in West Africa, Beydoun immediately felt at once immersed in, yet apart from, the culture, and sought to create a forward-thinking line that locals would feel proud to wear. Most of the fabrics used to create the collections are handpicked, hand dyed and printed in Cote d’Ivoire before arriving and being transformed in-house in Beirut.
Jaggy Glarino is a Filipino fashion designer recognized for his intuitive approach to garment construction, bold design sensibilities, and multi-dimensional artistry. A self-taught talent with a background in nursing, Glarino’s unconventional journey into fashion has led to a distinctive aesthetic that straddles the line between wearability and avant-garde expression. Deeply connected to his Filipino roots, he infuses his heritage into his work, reinterpreting tradition through a contemporary lens. His trajectory includes accolades from the Bench Design Awards, Tokyo Fashion Week, and short courses at London’s Central Saint Martins, affirming his status as a force reshaping Filipino fashion on the global stage.
Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the founder of Sabyasachi, a luxury design house based in India. He set up his eponymous studio with a workforce of three people in 1999 and as a market leader, Mukherjee became the first Indian designer and brand to collaborate with Estée Lauder, H&M, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Pottery Barn, Disney, Thomas Goode, Morgenthal Frederics and Christian Louboutin. Patrons of the brand include celebrities, royals and intellectuals. With the brand’s evolution, Mukherjee has also helmed a number of initiatives, both non-profit and for-profit including the Save The Sari project and the Sabyasachi Art Foundation, working closely with artisans and artists on models of economic sustainability. With flagship stores in most major cities across India, he launched his first international store in New York in 2022.
Praya Lundberg is a Thai actress, model, and activist, celebrated for her performances and dedication to various social causes. Lundberg began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, quickly rising to fame through her roles in popular Thai television dramas and films. She has recently starred in the third season of HBO Max series “The White Lotus.”
Linda Anggrea is the founder and chief executive of Modinity Group, a fashion and lifestyle firm in South East Asia. Anggrea’s career began in finance, and in 2016, she ventured into entrepreneurship, launching Buttonscarves. Expanding beyond scarves, Buttonscarves now offers bags, footwear, apparel, and more. The label has stores across Southeast Asia and a strong digital presence. Under Anggrea’s leadership, Buttonscarves became the launchpad for a growing ecosystem of multiple brands spanning fashion, beauty and lifestyle that turned into Modinity Group. Through Modinity Group, Anggrea hopes to continue to set new industry standards, championing modern sophistication, and innovation.
Anand S. Ahuja is the founder and chief executive of Bhaane Group, an organisation responsible for facilitating the entry and growth of global brands in the Indian market. The group’s current portfolio includes Nike, Converse, NBA Stores and Amiri. Ahuja is the son of Harish Ahuja, the founder of Shahi Exports, one of India’s largest apparel manufacturing companies. Growing up in the Ahuja family, Ahuja was inspired to blend traditional values with modern retail strategies. His latest venture was the launch of the Amiri store at The Chanakya mall.
Kerim Ture is the founder of Modanisa.com, a modest fashion e-commerce platform serving customers in over 100 countries. With this venture Ture hopes to be instrumental in bridging the gap between tradition and innovation by empowering Muslim women worldwide with accessible, stylish, and diverse fashion choices. He is also the co-founder of Salam Booking, a travel platform addressing the underrepresented needs of the global Muslim community by offering tailored, Muslim-friendly travel experiences and Umrah packages. His understanding of e-commerce and a passion for creating inclusive global brands, Ture’s expertise lies in scaling businesses, fostering innovation, and addressing the unique needs of niche markets.
Maryse Mbonyumutwa is the founder and chief executive of Pink Mango, an export-oriented garment manufacturer based in Kigali, Rwanda. Pink Mango employs over 1,300 workers, 70 percent of whom are women. Mbonyumutwa founded the business in 2017 after realising Africa’s potential as a global fashion hub and catalyst for driving sustainable industrialisation. Mbonyumutwa is also the founder of Asantii, a contemporary Pan-African clothing brand that celebrates the continent’s heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Launched in 2022, Asantii has collaborated with African designers and is available online and in select concept stores across Africa, Europe, and the US. Mbonyumutwa is a member of the BoF 500.
Philippe Zuber is chief executive officer of Kerzner International, a developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels, branded residences, and entertainment experiences. Zuber spearheads the company’s strategic expansion plans and leads the operation of the collection of resorts and residences. Zuber hopes to lead the evolution of Kerzner, beyond the industry-leading Atlantis and ultra-luxury One&Only brands. In 2024, Kerzner introduced SIRO One Za’abeel in Dubai, a hospitality brand that offers a holistic approach to sleep, fitness and recovery to enable guests to achieve peak performance without compromise. Under Rare Finds, a collection of hotels that celebrates soulful experiences and journeys, Kerzner manages Bab Al Shams, Dubai’s quintessential desert retreat. Additionally, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, a 500-room destination golf and casino resort in Morocco. Mr. Zuber joined Kerzner International in 2015 as president and chief operating officer.
Iretidayo ‘Ireti’ Zaccheaus is the founder and chief executive of Street Souk, an African streetwear community and convention she launched in 2018. In 2023, Zaccheaus toured with Street Souk, showcasing African streetwear brands in seven cities: London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Abuja, Lagos, Accra, and Cape Town. Zaccheaus has also worked as a creative and cultural consultant for Nike, Topicals and Apple, as well as for artists Davido, Tiwa Savage and Rema. She was inducted to the 2024 class of the BoF 500.
Laduma Ngxokolo is the founder and chief creative director at MaXhosa Africa, a global luxury fashion brand that merges the aesthetics of Xhosa people, a South African ethnic group, with contemporary appeal. Inspired by intricate beadwork patterns worn by Xhosa initiates, Laduma transformed knitwear into a bold cultural statement. His designs have been shown on the runways of Paris, Milan, and New York. Beyond clothing, MaXhosa Africa has grown into a lifestyle brand, bringing African heritage into homes through carefully crafted interiors. Ngxokolo’s work has been showcased in museums like the Smithsonian and MoMA. With each collection, Ngxokolo hopes to push boundaries, ensuring that African design is not only preserved but celebrated in bold new ways.
Reni Folawiyo is the founder and director of Alara – Africa’s leading space for culture, fashion, art, food, and design, on Lagos’ Victoria Island. Folawiyo has been a foundational guiding force in discovering, growing and celebrating many of the leading creatives working in Africa today. Folawiyo has received numerous awards and recognition for her work and cultural leadership, including being named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business by Forbes Africa in 2020. Alara has been celebrated in Architectural Digest and the Wall Street Journal. Prior to launching her business in the cultural sphere, Folawiyo spent her early career practicing law. Folawiyo received her Bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Warwick.
Aika Alemi is an artist, business coach, mentor, and author. She is also the founder and director of Born Nomad and is the director of Central Asia Creative Incubator. She contributes to Elle Kazakhstan and Forbes Kazakhstan. Alemi was a womenswear finalist for the International Woolmark Prize 2017 and was awarded Best Mentor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Women Entrepreneurs Programme 2018. She has organised over 50 major events including CentralAsia Creative Incubator, Responsible Fashion Series Silk Road and Shymkent Art Days. She holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Kiran Haslam is the chief marketing officer for Diriyah Company, an organisation responsible for executing the Diriyah Project, or the transformation of Saudi Arabia as a cultural and tourist destination. Haslam is responsible for re-establishing Diriyah’s position within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and globally as not just as the birthplace of the Kingdom, but also as a centre for the preservation of heritage and perpetuator of Saudi culture and heritage. Prior to joining Diriyah Company, Haslam’s played a key role in the reinvention of luxury brands. He has established and branded progressive media platforms in the Middle East; authored two children’s story books; and toured the world as a musician and composer. Haslam holds degrees from Deakin University and the Berklee College of Music.
Rozan Ahmed is an award-winning Sudanese-British writer, curator and diplomatic advisor. She is internationally renowned for her visionary direction in CCI – an acronym she coined in 2016 to highlight “Creative & Cultural Industries” from the Global South, particularly the African and Arabian regions. Ministerial in approach and leading in her cause, Ahmed has carved a multidisciplinary career that effectively mirrors her multicultural background. Ahmed pioneered the concept of “strategic storytelling” as a crucial tool in nation-building, harnessing CCI to reclaim identity, promote tourism, drive economic growth and enhance international relations. In cultural diplomacy, she advises governments, institutions and global brands on leveraging creativity for international engagement, investment and appeal. Additionally, and in the field of sports, she made history as the first – and only – woman to introduce boxing to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Her philanthropic initiatives include The Magic Drive, a power program using fashion to build confidence and capacity among young people in Kenya and beyond. As an activist, she amplifies global awareness, education and advocacy for her war-torn homeland, Sudan. Ahmed’s legacy of third culture ownership has received honors and awards in the UK, UAE, Kenya and Nigeria for her transformative contributions to fashion, music, tourism and cultural development. A mastermind of what she calls “human globalization”, Ahmed continues to redefine hegemony, redirect creative agendas toward local priority, and inspire new ideas in view of “belonging” worldwide.
Imran Amed is founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of The Business of Fashion, the upstart media company that has grown from a blog into the most trusted global authority on the $3 trillion fashion, luxury and beauty industries. BoF serves 100,000 paying members and reaches more than 1 million email subscribers in 190 countries.
An indispensable resource for executives, designers, investors and students, BoF combines independent, agenda-setting journalism with strategic business advice, online learning, career-building tools and immersive events, driving smarter decision-making and powering positive change in fashion and the wider world.
The proud son of first generation immigrants from Kenya and Tanzania, Amed is Canadian by birth, Indian by ethnicity, East African by heritage, and a Londoner by choice. Amed has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a B.Com from McGill University and an honorary doctorate from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design. Previously, he was a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. In 2017, Amed was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the fashion industry.
