As a boy growing up in Tunisia, whenever his family traveled, Riadh Bouaziz would lie awake in modest hotels that were far from award-winning, staring at the ceiling, feeling the scratchy sheets beneath his skin, and sweating through long summer nights without air conditioning. The world of luxury felt so far away. But even then, he knew—one day, he’d be part of it. Not as a guest, not as an outsider looking in, but as the one who set the bar.
He didn’t grow up in five-star resorts, wrapped in Egyptian cotton. His journey began in hard work, endless hours, and a stubborn refusal to settle. That dream of creating something lasting never faded, even when the road got tough.
Now, decades later, Riadh defines the world of luxury.
They call him “Mr. Linen,” not because he sells fabric, but because he has woven himself into the very DNA of hospitality. His company, RKF Group, stands as the benchmark. The choice of royalty, five-star hotels, and the world’s most exclusive spas. His portfolio extends beyond modern luxury, carrying history itself. Among his holdings is one of Europe's oldest textile factories, established in 1834.
But Riadh hasn't stopped at setting new standards in linen—he's reinvented the very concept of luxury. Vacationers, business professionals, and those seeking an escape return to the world’s top resorts and spas, never realizing one of the masterminds behind their experience. They may not know his name, but they feel his legacy.
His creative genius has even led to something never seen before-bathrobes as haute couture. While the fashion world focused on silk gowns and tailored suits, Riadh took something intimate, something usually hidden behind closed doors, and put it on the runway. When he introduced luxury bathrobes to high-fashion shows, it was edgy, unexpected, and disruptive. The world of fashion took notice. No one had ever done it before, and suddenly, everyone wanted in.
That same fearless creativity compelled him to build a school dedicated to the art of luxury linen. A place where students don’t just learn a craft—they master it. They study under experts, perfecting techniques passed down through generations, and when they graduate, they leave not just with knowledge, but with a diploma that represents excellence.
But here’s what makes Riadh different. He’s still learning. After 25 years at the top, he still asks questions. He still experiments. He still wants to be better. He’s a leader who never stops being a student. A mentor to startups, an open book to young entrepreneurs, and proof that the real masters keep evolving.
Was he an overnight success? Sure. If you count 25 years of relentless work, 15 patents in textile technology, and 24 international awards as “overnight.”
France honored him as a Knight of the National Order of Merit, but for him, the real honor isn’t medals or titles—it’s seeing an idea become something real. Watching an industry evolve because of his dedication, his risks, and his refusal to accept “good enough.”
And here’s the part that will make you laugh—he still geeks out over fabric blends. Ask him about textile innovation, and you’ll see the same fire in his eyes that was there when he was just a kid, dreaming of a world where he belonged.
He’s not done yet. He’ll never be done. Because for Riadh, this isn’t a business—it’s his purpose. And that’s exactly why he deserves to be named to the 2025 Monaco 40 Over 40.