Although a graduate of political science, Faris Al Shehri’s true passion lies in the creative fields of fashion and design. He first started in retail in 2001, in Saudi Arabia, working with established fashion labels. He also gained experience while working in London’s retail business.

1997 Co. is Al Shehri’s first company which he had founded in 2008, providing retail management, fashion consulting and buying services. He now works with brands such as Ann Demeulemeester, Damir Doma, Rick Owens, Julius, Philip Lim, among others. In 2009, Al Shehri was selected by the British Council to participate in the IYFE (International Young Fashion Entrepreneur).

Following his experience in the British Fashion industry in 2009, Al Shehri started another of his own company in the same year, Art of Kohl (AOK). AOK provides new retail space for unique luxury goods as well as contemporary and emerging designers in Saudi Arabia.

The company’s mission is to promote art, design and fashion, and to create a platform for public recognition of local and international talents, through events, workshops, and collaborations.

The first project- Maison Bo-M (inspired by the Bohemian lifestyle, “La Boheme”) opened in May 2010 and counts three retail doors today in Saudi Arabia, a gallery space and a café.

As a response to demand, Al Shehri took the initiative to launch the Riyadh Fashion Days event to support up-and-coming designers from the region. The first edition was the SS12 in April 2012 and successfully launched Saudi brands such as Razan Alanzouni, Fyunka, Sotra…

Today, the RFD just celebrated its third edition, offering five days of fashion shows and welcoming more than thirty designers from the Middle-East. The next challenge is Jeddah Fashion Days to be launched in May 2013.