Saudi Arabia has just made waves with its first-ever swimsuit fashion show, a groundbreaking event in a country where women were required to wear body-covering abayas less than a decade ago. The poolside show, held on Friday, featured the elegant designs of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, who showcased mostly one-piece swimsuits in stunning shades of red, beige, and blue. Models strutted confidently with exposed shoulders and some midriffs partially visible, a sight unimaginable just a few years back.
Yasmina Qanzal expressed her excitement to AFP, saying, "It's true that this country is very conservative, but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world." She added, "When we came here, we understood that a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia is a historic moment, because it is the first time to have such event," and felt honored to be part of it.
The show took place on the second day of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the luxurious St Regis Red Sea Resort. This resort is part of the ambitious Red Sea Global project, a centerpiece of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since his rise to power in 2017, Prince Mohammed has been pushing for dramatic social reforms to reshape the country’s austere image, historically rooted in the purist form of Islam known as Wahhabism.
Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has seen the sidelining of the stick-wielding religious police, the reintroduction of cinemas, and the organization of mixed-gender music festivals. These bold changes have faced pushback and repression targeting dissenters, including conservative clerics.
Among the attendees was Shouq Mohammed, a Syrian fashion influencer, who remarked, "It's the first time to have a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia, but why not? Seriously why not? It's possible and we have it here." French influencer Raphael Simacourbe also attended and noted that while the show wasn't risqué by global standards, it was a significant milestone in the Saudi context. "That's very brave from them to do that today, so I am very happy to be part of it," he said.
The fashion industry in Saudi Arabia is growing, contributing $12.5 billion to the national GDP and employing 230,000 people in 2022, according to a report by the official Saudi Fashion Commission. This swimsuit fashion show marks another bold step in the Kingdom's journey towards modernity, showcasing its willingness to embrace change and innovation in style.
FAQs about Saudi Arabia's First Swimsuit Fashion Show
Q1: What was the significance of the swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia?
A1: The swimsuit fashion show was a historic event as it was the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant cultural shift in a country known for its conservative dress code.
Q2: Who was the designer featured in the fashion show?
A2: The show featured the elegant designs of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, who showcased mostly one-piece swimsuits in shades of red, beige, and blue.
Q3: Where did the fashion show take place?
A3: The fashion show took place at the St Regis Red Sea Resort during the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week.
Q4: What is Vision 2030 and how is it related to this event?
A4: Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia's social and economic reform program overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The program aims to diversify the economy and modernize the country's image, with events like the swimsuit fashion show reflecting its progressive goals.
Q5: How have social norms in Saudi Arabia changed recently?
A5: Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has seen dramatic social changes, including the sidelining of the religious police, the reintroduction of cinemas, and the organization of mixed-gender music festivals.
Q6: How did attendees react to the swimsuit fashion show?
A6: Attendees, including influencers like Shouq Mohammed and Raphael Simacourbe, praised the event as a bold and significant step. They acknowledged the cultural importance of holding such an event in Saudi Arabia.
Q7: What impact does the fashion industry have on Saudi Arabia's economy?
A7: The fashion industry contributed $12.5 billion to the national GDP in 2022 and employed 230,000 people, according to a report by the Saudi Fashion Commission.
Q8: What types of swimsuits were showcased in the fashion show?
A8: The fashion show featured mostly one-piece swimsuits in shades of red, beige, and blue, with some designs showcasing exposed shoulders and partially visible midriffs.
Q9: Who organized the Red Sea Fashion Week?
A9: The Red Sea Fashion Week was part of the Red Sea Global project, one of the giga-projects under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Q10: What was the general public's reaction to the swimsuit fashion show?
A10: While there was some pushback from conservative factions, the general sentiment among attendees and supporters was positive, viewing the event as a progressive step towards modernization and openness.
