CROSSROADS 2025: Fashion’s New Frontier Emerges from the Global South

April 22nd, 2025

In the glittering heart of Dubai, the future of fashion found its stage.

Held at the opulent One&Only One Za’abeel, CROSSROADS 2025—The Business of Fashion’s inaugural summit focused on the Global South—brought together an influential lineup of designers, entrepreneurs, royals, and visionaries from over 25 countries. Over two days, the event explored the dynamic intersections of creativity, commerce, and cultural capital, spotlighting how voices from emerging markets are reshaping the global fashion narrative.

A Stage for the South

For years, conversations about fashion’s future have been concentrated in the traditional powerhouses of Europe and North America. CROSSROADS 2025 boldly flipped that script.

The summit gave the mic to creative leaders from India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the UAE, making a compelling case that innovation in fashion is no longer dictated solely by the West. Instead, it’s being redefined at the vibrant crossroads of the Global South.

At the center of this conversation was Sabyasachi Mukherjee, India’s most celebrated designer, who spoke passionately about building a globally respected luxury brand rooted in Indian identity. “We don’t need to conform to be global,” he declared. “We need to amplify who we are.”

“At BoF’s CROSSROADS 2025, the Global South didn’t ask for a seat at the table—it started building a new one. Fashion’s future is here, and it’s rooted in identity, community, and bold creativity.’’

Saudi Transformation and the Rise of Regional Creativity

Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud took the stage to share a rare insider’s view on the cultural transformation underway in Saudi Arabia. As a champion for the Kingdom’s creative industries, her insights reflected a growing ecosystem that’s opening up space for fashion, design, and innovation—while staying connected to heritage.
Her message was clear: Saudi Arabia is not just entering the fashion conversation. It’s helping lead it.

Dubai’s Cultural Capital

Anas Bukhash, the popular UAE-based entrepreneur and podcast host, brought a homegrown perspective, speaking about Dubai’s evolution from a commercial hub to a cultural capital. With his signature mix of warmth and candor, Bukhash emphasized the city’s ability to blend global ambition with regional authenticity.
It’s a sentiment that echoed throughout the summit—Dubai, and the wider Gulf, is no longer just watching fashion’s future unfold. It’s shaping it.

Global Brands, Local Roots

A highlight of the event was a rare joint appearance by Tory Burch and her husband and business partner Pierre-Yves Roussel, in conversation with BoF founder Imran Amed. The couple offered a candid look at how they’re scaling the Tory Burch brand globally while staying anchored in a philosophy of purpose-led business and women’s empowerment.

Also taking the stage was Carla Fernandez, the Mexico City-based designer whose work with indigenous artisans serves as a model for ethical and culturally respectful fashion. “Preservation is innovation,” she said, echoing a theme that resonated strongly across borders and generations.

The Next Wave of Modest Fashion

Another standout moment was the discussion on the future of modest fashion, featuring Linda Anggrea of Indonesia’s Buttonscarves and Rabia Zargarpur, a trailblazer in the UAE. Together, they shed light on how modest fashion is evolving from a niche category to a globally influential movement—driven largely by female Muslim entrepreneurs from the Global South.
Their message: modest fashion is not a trend—it’s a lifestyle, a business opportunity, and a cultural shift.

A Gathering of Visionaries

Backed by major partners including Diriyah Company, Ounass, Snapchat, Chalhoub Group, Wheely, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, CROSSROADS 2025 was a powerful reminder of what happens when fashion is viewed through a global lens—not just geographically, but ideologically.
And it’s only just beginning.
As the final panels wrapped and conversations continued over evening receptions, one thing was clear: the Global South isn’t asking for a seat at the fashion table. It’s building a new table entirely—rooted in culture, community, and creative sovereignty.

To explore the full agenda and insights from the event, visit the official CROSSROADS 2025 website: https://pages.businessoffashion.com/bof-crossroads-2025