In a landmark move for Saudi Arabia, the country hosted its inaugural swimsuit fashion show on Friday, marking a significant departure from its conservative norms.
Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal presented her collection, featuring predominantly one-piece swimsuits in hues of red, beige, and blue.
The designs showcased exposed shoulders and partially visible midriffs, reflecting a blend of elegance and modesty tailored to the Arab world. Qanzal expressed her appreciation for the historic occasion, recognizing the significance of such an event in the kingdom.
During the second day of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week, the event unfolded at the St Regis Red Sea Resort, nestled along Saudi Arabia’s western coastline.
This resort is a component of Red Sea Global, a key initiative within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to drive social and economic reforms.
Since ascending to the position of first in line to the throne in 2017, Prince Mohammed has spearheaded a series of sweeping social reforms aimed at tempering Saudi Arabia’s austere reputation, which has been shaped by its historical adherence to Wahhabism, a strict interpretation of Islam.
Shouq Mohammed, a Syrian fashion influencer in attendance at Friday’s show, expressed that the event was not unexpected, considering Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand its presence on the global stage and develop its fashion and tourism industries.
In 2022, the fashion industry contributed $12.5 billion, equivalent to 1.4% of the national GDP, and employed 230,000 individuals, as per a report from the official Saudi Fashion Commission published last year.
“It’s the first time we’ve had a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia, but why not? Seriously, why not?” Mohammed remarked. “It’s possible, and we have it here.”
Raphael Simacourbe, a French influencer present at the event on Friday, expressed that while he didn’t find anything risqué, he acknowledged that within the Saudi context, it marked a significant milestone. “That’s very brave of them to do that today, so I am very happy to be part of it,” he remarked.
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