A new boutique dedicated to quality over mass production opened in Jeddah with several Italian trained Saudi artists showcasing their work at the opening. The boutique aims to bring Italian products such as coats, belts, watches, and handbags all made from genuine Italian leather. Bringing these products to the Kingdom acts as a symbolic strengthening of the cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia. The Al-Youssef International Group opened the Alviero Martini Boutique in Teatro Mall, Saturday with Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz and the Italian Consul General, Adriano Maria Santacesaria. In conjunction to the opening of the boutique Santacesaria organized an exhibition of six Saudi artists, trained in Italy. “We are here today to present the Saudi market with the latest and newest collections from Italy,” said Antonella Memo, Managing, Director of Alviero Martini boutique. He added another similar boutique was opened in Riyadh and it was “very successful.” Ten percent of all the profits will be given to local charities, Memo said. All products sold in the boutique will be from limited collections said Ahmad Al-Youssef, a member of the Al-Youssef International Group. Prince Abdul Aziz said mixing the two art-forms was important. “It is very important to mix both painted art and fashion designing, and we can notice that the Alveiro Martini collection is a mix of beautiful art and originalty.” The Saudi artists who participated in the exhibition were Ahmed Felemban, Dia Aziz Dia, Mohammed Mansour AL-Ajam, Mohammed Al-Saqabi, Kamal Al-Muallem, Osman Al-Khuzaim.
