Jeddah, May 18, 2024 – In a groundbreaking event, Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever swimsuit fashion show on Friday, marking a significant cultural shift in a nation where, less than a decade ago, women were required to wear body-covering abaya robes. The poolside event showcased Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal’s collection, featuring elegant and modern one-piece swimsuits in red, beige, and blue hues.
The event took place on the second day of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, located off Saudi Arabia’s western coast. This resort is part of Red Sea Global, a mega-project central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 social and economic reform program, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Qanzal, whose designs included swimsuits with exposed shoulders and partially visible midriffs, emphasized the historical significance of the event. “It’s true that this country is very conservative but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world,” Qanzal told AFP. “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,” she added, describing it as “an honour” to be involved.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who became the first in line to the throne in 2017, has been at the forefront of a series of sweeping social reforms aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s image. Historically, the nation has been known for its strict adherence to Wahhabism, a conservative form of Islam. However, the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to diversify the economy and modernize Saudi society.
Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Crown Prince has introduced various reforms. These include curtailing the powers of the religious police, reintroducing cinemas, and organizing mixed-gender music festivals. These changes, while progressive, have been met with increased repression of dissent, particularly targeting conservative clerics opposed to the reforms.
The inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to open up to the world and boost its fashion and tourism sectors. Shouq Mohammed, a Syrian fashion influencer who attended the show, commented on the event’s significance. “Given Saudi Arabia’s efforts to open up to the world and expand its fashion and tourism sectors, this fashion show is not surprising,” she remarked to AFP.
The fashion industry plays a growing role in Saudi Arabia’s economy. In 2022, it contributed $12.5 billion to the national GDP, accounting for 1.4 percent, and employed 230,000 people. This highlights the sector’s potential as a significant economic driver under the Vision 2030 framework.
The swimsuit fashion show is not just a milestone for the fashion industry but also a symbol of the broader cultural changes taking place in Saudi Arabia. For decades, Saudi women were expected to adhere to strict dress codes, including wearing the abaya, a long, flowing black robe. The hosting of a swimsuit fashion show in the country signifies a notable departure from these conservative norms.
Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal’s participation underscored the blend of tradition and modernity. Her collection aimed to showcase swimsuits that, while modern, still respected the elegance of the Arab world. This delicate balance reflects the broader challenges and opportunities of modernization in a deeply conservative society.
Reactions to the fashion show have been mixed. Many see it as a positive step towards modernization and a more open society. However, there are also voices of concern, particularly among conservative circles, about the rapid pace of change and its impact on traditional values.
Internationally, the event has been viewed as a positive development, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s willingness to embrace global cultural trends. This aligns with the Crown Prince’s goal of presenting Saudi Arabia as a more welcoming and progressive destination for tourists and investors.
Despite the positive reception from many quarters, the path to modernization in Saudi Arabia is fraught with challenges. The reforms have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, with increased repression of activists and critics. This dual approach of progressive reforms and stringent control highlights the complex nature of the transformation taking place in the kingdom.
Looking forward, the success of initiatives like the Red Sea Fashion Week will depend on the government’s ability to maintain a balance between modernization and respecting the country’s conservative foundations. As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate this transformative period, the world will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold.
The inaugural swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia marks a significant step in the country’s journey towards modernization under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative. It reflects the broader cultural and economic reforms taking place, aimed at diversifying the economy and presenting a more open and progressive image to the world. As Saudi Arabia continues to open up and embrace new cultural norms, events like these will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory.
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