Saudi Arabia held its first fashion show featuring swimsuit models on Friday, an envelope-pushing step in a country where less than a decade ago women were required to wear body-covering abaya robes.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the poolside fashion show, featuring Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal’s work, showcased mostly one-piece swimsuits in shades of red, beige, and blue.
The models wore elegant suits with exposed shoulders and partially visible midriffs, representing the Arab world. Qanzal noted, “Although this country is conservative, we aimed to showcase elegant swimsuits that honor the Arab world.”
Saudi’s Historic Fashion Moment
She considered it an honor to be part of the historic moment, as it was the first swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia.
The event took place during the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St Regis Red Sea Resort, a giga-project under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reform program led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Prince Mohammed has introduced social reforms to soften Saudi Arabia’s image, including re-introducing cinemas and mixed-gender music festivals.
Despite increased repression, the fashion industry has grown, accounting for $12.5 billion (1.4% of GDP) and employing 230,000 people in 2022.
Attendees, including Syrian fashion influencer Shouq Mohammed and French influencer Raphael Simacourbe, praised the show as a brave achievement in the Saudi context.
Mohammed stated, “Why not have a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia? It’s possible, and we have it here.” Simacourbe added, “It’s very brave of them to do this today, and I’m happy to be part of it.”