Inside the Business of Luxury: Chalhoub Group Leaders Inspire FAD Students

An insightful masterclass at FAD Dubai by Chalhoub Group's Leadership offered students a front-row seat to the future of luxury, fashion, and beauty in the Middle East.

The session featured David Vercruysse, President – Managed Companies; Grace Khoury, Senior Vice President; and Dania Kheyami, Vice President at the Chalhoub Group. Together, these distinguished leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the Group’s strategic vision and driving growth across its diverse portfolio of iconic brands.

Designed to bridge education and industry, the masterclass offered students an in-depth understanding of the evolving dynamics of the luxury, fashion, and beauty sectors within the Middle Eastern market. David Vercruysse highlighted how being part of a reputed institution like FAD enables students to gain early access to real-world industry insights, meaningful exposure, and invaluable professional perspectives.

The speakers also reflected on the remarkable transformation of the regional fashion landscape—describing it as booming, dynamic, and increasingly influential on a global scale. Their insights underscored the Middle East’s growing role as a key player in shaping the future of luxury.

A significant focus of the discussion was sustainability, positioned as a core pillar of the Chalhoub Group’s long-term strategy. The leaders encouraged students to think beyond conventional business models and to approach brand-building through storytelling, authenticity, and creativity. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of engaging younger generations through innovation, conscious communication, and purpose-driven design.

This collaboration between FAD and the Chalhoub Group, under the initiative ‘Beyond Fashion’, is aimed at mentoring, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of fashion and luxury professionals. It reflects a shared commitment to developing talent that is both visionary and adaptable.

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