Saudi Arabia hosts first-ever swimwear fashion show
On Friday, Saudi Arabia conducted its first swimsuit fashion show, a bold move in a country where, about a decade ago, women were compelled to wear body-covering abaya robes.
The poolside presentation, which featured the work of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, consisted largely of one-piece suits in red, beige, and blue. Most models had bare shoulders, and some had their midriffs partially exposed.
Also read: Bollywood Actress Kriti Sanon talks about her ‘ideal’ life partner; says ‘he doesn’t need to match up to me’
“It’s true that this country is very conservative, but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world,” Qanzal told AFP.
The Inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week
The St Regis Red Sea Resort, located off the western coast of Saudi Arabia, hosted the fashion show on the second day of the first Red Sea Fashion Week.
The resort is part of Red Sea Global, one of the “giga-projects” at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 social and economic transformation initiative, which is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia breaking stereotypes
As the heir apparent since 2017, Prince Mohammed has implemented a number of significant societal changes aimed at tempering Saudi Arabia’s hard image resulting from its long support of Wahhabism, a strict interpretation of Islam.
Also read: Singer Ananya Birla quits music to focus on business
These reforms have included removing stick-wielding religious police who used to force men out of malls to pray, reintroducing theaters, and organizing mixed-gender music festivals.
They have occurred in tandem with increased repression aimed at opposing voices, especially those of conservative priests who may object to these actions.
Attending Friday’s event was Syrian fashion influencer Shouq Mohammed, who said it was not surprising considering Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become more globalized and expand its tourism and fashion industries.
According to a forecast issued last year by the official Saudi Fashion Commission, the fashion industry in 2022 will generate $12.5 billion, or 1.4 percent of national GDP, and employ 230,000 people.
Also read: ‘Better to go to a factory that….’: Radical Islamic preacher Zakir Naik delivers another controversial statement
“It’s the first time to have a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia, but why not? Seriously why not?” Mohammed said.
“It’s possible and we have it here.”
French influencer Raphael Simacourbe, who was present on Friday as well, claimed that while it didn’t seem risky in his opinion, it was a significant accomplishment in Saudi Arabia.
