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James Turrell brings light and space to Saudi Arabia’s Wadi AlFann

Wadi AlFann presents James Turrell at AlUla Arts Festival 2025, Saudi Arabia

Middle East – Saudi Arabia’s Wadi AlFann (Valley of the Arts) is holding a landmark exhibition celebrating James Turrell’s mastery of light and perception as part of the AlUla Arts Festival 2025.

Curated by Michael Govan, CEO of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the show runs from 16 January to 19 April, offering a rare survey of Turrell’s work alongside plans for his upcoming large-scale commission in AlUla’s desert landscape.

The exhibition showcases four major works, including Alta (1968), a luminous pyramid of pink-violet light, and Jubilee, Circular Glass (2021), where shifting colours appear almost imperceptible. Visitors will also observe designs for Turrell’s monumental Wadi AlFann commission – an immersive sequence of chambers within the canyon floor that will manipulate space, light and perception.

This exhibition marks a significant step in Wadi AlFann’s transformation into a global contemporary art destination.

For more insights into KSA’s luxury market, head to The Future Laboratory and Together Group’s New Codes of Luxury in Saudi Arabia report.

Strategic opportunity

Luxury brands looking to position themselves as tastemakers should take inspiration from Wadi AlFann and curate immersive brand touchpoints that blur the lines between art, commerce and hospitality, creating culturally resonant experiences that deepen consumer engagement

Adidas Originals unveils premium line A-Type

A-Type by adidas Originals, Germany

Global – Adidas Originals has introduced A-Type, an evolving collection that re-imagines the brand’s most iconic designs with premium craftsmanship. The inaugural drop elevates the Superstar trainer, the Firebird tracksuit and the Airliner bag through high-end materials and artisanal production.

Crafted in partnership with leading European ateliers, A-Type pieces feature supple leathers, cashmere-blend fabrics and sterling silver jewellery, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary luxury. The collection made its debut through a campaign styled by Matthew Henson and shot by Gabriel Moses, featuring rapper Pusha T, model Paloma Elsesser and professional skateboarder Tyshawn Jones.

‘A-Type is Adidas Originals at its most sophisticated and refined,’ the brand stated in a press release, promising an exclusive and evolving collection that re-interprets archival classics for a discerning audience. According to WWD, prices will range from £397 ($500, €477) for a Trefoil ear stud to £1,190 ($1,500, €1,431) for a leather track jacket. Currently available only to Adidas’ inner circle, wider releases are expected soon.

In our Premium Fashion’s Comeback report, we analysed how the premium contemporary fashion category is re-emerging as a stylish yet accessible alternative to luxury’s ever-rising prices while bridging the gap between cost and quality.

Strategic opportunity

Consider identifying best-selling products and re-imagining them with elevated materials, artisanal production and limited-edition drops as part of a new high-end line

Stat: Europeans prioritise wellness over sustainability in food choices

Mosa Meat, The Netherlands

Europe – A new survey from the EIT Food Consumer Observatory reveals a declining focus on sustainability in European diets, with only 9% of respondents prioritising eco-friendly eating. While policy-makers urge citizens to reduce meat and dairy consumption for both environmental and public health benefits, just 18% of Europeans say they actively avoid animal products.

Instead, health remains the dominant driver of dietary change, with 51% of respondents seeking healthier options, compared to just 12% rating affordability higher. ‘While sustainability remains important, shifting global priorities have pushed other concerns to the forefront,’ said Sofia Kuhn, EIT Food’s director of public insights and engagement.

The report also highlights a knowledge gap, with only 46% of Europeans feeling informed about food sustainability. Trust in the food system remains low, affecting openness to innovations like cultivated meat and animal-free dairy products. Despite this, 44% of Europeans express a desire to reduce the environmental impact of their diets, indicating potential for future change – if clear education and communication efforts are prioritised.

Head to our Sustainability topic for market-leading insight and analysis about the climate crisis.

Strategic opportunity

Reframe sustainability to align with health benefits such as longevity and disease prevention. Develop planet-conscious and plant-based products that appeal to budget-conscious consumers while prioritising taste, nutrition and accessibility