BoF asked women leaders from across the fashion industry for their advice on how to overcome three key hurdles between high potential women and top jobs.

Socio-economic and political developments, aided by the connectivity of the Internet, have galvanised a newly emergent Muslim consumer demographic, creating significant, if complex, opportunities for international fashion brands.

To accompany the launch of the BoF 500, Robb Young examines how an omnipotent cartel of deep-pocketed families have managed to anchor themselves in the lucrative fashion markets of the Gulf States.