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20-05-2024
RIYADH: In a historic first, Saudi Arabia hosted a swimsuit fashion show, a remarkable step for a nation known for its conservative dress codes. This groundbreaking event occurred during the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort on the country’s western coast.
On Friday, the poolside fashion show featured creations by Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal. The collection showcased mostly one-piece swimsuits in vibrant hues of red, beige, and blue. Models wore designs that revealed their shoulders and, in some cases, their midriffs, challenging the traditional dress norms that once required women to wear full-body abaya robes. Qanzal highlighted the event’s historical significance, expressing her pride in contributing to this momentous occasion.
The swimsuit fashion show was part of Red Sea Fashion Week, a significant event tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. This social and economic reform program, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to diversify the economy and modernize society. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, where the event was held, is a component of Red Sea Global, one of the ambitious giga-projects under Vision 2030.
Since ascending to the position of Crown Prince in 2017, Mohammed bin Salman has initiated numerous social reforms to reshape Saudi Arabia’s global image. These reforms include curbing the powers of the once-dominant religious police, reintroducing cinemas, and hosting mixed-gender music festivals. These changes represent a shift away from the strict religious practices of Wahhabism and aim to present a more progressive and open Saudi society.
The historic swimsuit show underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost its fashion and tourism sectors. According to the Saudi Fashion Commission, the fashion industry contributed $12.5 billion to the national GDP in 2022, accounting for 1.4 percent of the total, and provided employment for 230,000 people. This event is part of a broader strategy to integrate Saudi Arabia into the global fashion landscape.
The event attracted attention from international fashion influencers. Syrian influencer Shouq Mohammed noted that the show reflects Saudi Arabia’s aspirations to engage more fully with the global fashion community. French influencer Raphael Simacourbe praised the courage of hosting such an event in Saudi Arabia, recognizing it as a significant achievement given the country’s conservative context. Saudi Arabia’s first-ever swimsuit fashion show represents a significant cultural milestone, highlighting the nation’s ongoing transformation under Vision 2030. The event illustrates the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modernization, as Saudi Arabia continues its journey towards a more open and diverse society.
Prince Mohammed has been instrumental in driving significant social reforms aimed at modernizing Saudi society and diversifying its economy. These reforms have included initiatives such as reintroducing cinemas, organizing mixed-gender music festivals, and relaxing stringent dress codes.
While these changes have been welcomed by many, they have also faced opposition from conservative quarters. However, attendees at the swimsuit fashion show hailed it as a progressive step towards openness and growth in the fashion and tourism sectors.
Shouq Mohammed, a Syrian fashion influencer present at the event, praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to embrace change, stating, “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.” (Int’l News Desk)
