In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia hosted its inaugural fashion show showcasing swimsuit models recently signaling a significant shift in a nation where just a few years ago, women were mandated to wear full-body abaya robes.
The fashion event, set by the poolside, showcased designs by Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, predominantly featuring one-piece swimsuits in hues of red, beige, and blue. Many of the models sported exposed shoulders, with some revealing partially visible midriffs. Speaking to a newswire, Qanzal remarked, “While acknowledging the conservative nature of this country, we aimed to present stylish swimsuits that reflect the essence of the Arab world.”
Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, in her latest interview, stated, “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,” adding it was “an honour” to be involved.
The show took place on the second day of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St Regis Red Sea Resort, situated off Saudi Arabia’s western coast. The resort is part of Red Sea Global, one of the so-called giga-projects at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 social and economic reform programme overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Prince Mohammed, who ascended to the position of first in line to the throne in 2017, has spearheaded a sequence of bold social reforms aimed at moderating Saudi Arabia’s stern reputation, which stemmed from its historical advocacy of a strict interpretation of Islam known as Wahhabism. These reforms have involved diminishing the authority of the religious police, who previously enforced strict adherence to religious practices such as prayer in public spaces, reintroducing cinemas, and arranging music festivals that allow both genders to participate.
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