Saudi Arabia’s inaugural swimsuit fashion show marked a significant departure from the country’s past norms, where women were mandated to wear body-covering abaya robes just a few years ago. The show, held poolside and showcasing designs by Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, predominantly featured one-piece suits in red, beige, and blue hues. Many models had their shoulders exposed, while some revealed partial midriffs. Qanzal, speaking to AFP, expressed the intent to present elegant swimsuit styles that resonate with the Arab world, despite the country’s conservative backdrop.
“We recognized that hosting a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia is a historic milestone since it’s the first of its kind,” she remarked, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to participate. The event occurred during the second day of the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St Regis Red Sea Resort, located off the western coast of Saudi Arabia. This resort is a component of Red Sea Global, one of the major projects central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at social and economic reforms.
Since assuming the position of first in line to the throne in 2017, Prince Mohammed has spearheaded a series of sweeping social reforms aimed at modernizing Saudi Arabia’s traditional image, which has long been associated with the strict Wahhabi form of Islam. These reforms have included reducing the authority of the religious police, who previously enforced prayer attendance by forcefully removing men from shopping malls. Additionally, initiatives such as reintroducing cinemas and organizing music festivals that allow mixed-gender participation signify a shift towards a more progressive and inclusive approach in the country.