Saudi Arabia 1st Swimmer Fashion Show

• Saudi Arabia’s Historic First Swimsuit Fashion Show

Saudi Arabia, a country known for its conservative dress codes, recently marked a historic milestone by hosting its first-ever swimsuit fashion show. This groundbreaking event took place during the inaugural Red Sea Fashion Week at the St Regis Red Sea Resort, situated off Saudi Arabia’s western coast. Let’s dive into the details of this significant moment.

The Fashion Show

1. Designer Spotlight:
   • The poolside show featured the work of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal.
   • Qanzal’s collection showcased mostly one-piece swimsuits in elegant shades of red, beige, and blue.
2. Elegance and Representation:
   • Despite the country’s conservative norms, the swimsuits were designed to represent the Arab world with elegance.
   • Most models wore one-piece suits that revealed exposed shoulders and partially visible midriffs.
3. Historic Moment:
   • Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal expressed her excitement, stating that a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia was a historic moment.
   • She felt honored to be part of this groundbreaking event.

Vision 2030 and Social Reforms

1. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Initiatives:
   • Crown Prince Mohammed, who became first in line to the throne in 2017, has been driving social and economic reforms through the Vision 2030 program.
   • His goal is to soften Saudi Arabia’s austere image and promote openness to the world.
2. Dramatic Social Changes:
   • These reforms include:
     • Sidelining religious police: The stick-wielding religious police, who used to enforce strict dress codes, have been reined in.
     • Reintroducing cinemas: After decades of absence, cinemas are now part of Saudi entertainment.
     • Mixed-gender music festivals: Cultural events are becoming more inclusive.
3. Fashion Industry Growth:
   • The fashion industry in Saudi Arabia has been flourishing.
   • In 2022, it accounted for $12.5 billion (1.4% of national GDP) and employed 230,000 people.
4. A Major Achievement:
   • Syrian fashion influencer Shouq Mohammed emphasized that while conservative, Saudi Arabia is also attempting to grow its fashion and tourism sectors.
   • The swimsuit fashion show reflects this openness and progress.

In this historic moment, Saudi Arabia’s choice to embrace fashion diversity resonates beyond its borders, signaling a step toward a more inclusive future

What was the audience’s reaction to this fashion show?                                     

The audience’s reaction to Saudi Arabia’s first-ever swimsuit fashion show was a mix of curiosity, excitement, and recognition of its historic significance. Let’s explore their sentiments:

1. Historic Moment:
   • Attendees, including fashion influencers and industry insiders, recognized that witnessing a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia was a historic moment.
   • The fact that such an event took place in a country known for its conservative dress codes was noteworthy.
2. Elegance and Representation:
   • The audience appreciated the elegance of the swimsuits showcased by Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal.
   • The collection aimed to represent the Arab world, despite the country’s conservative norms.
3. Symbol of Progress:
   • Syrian fashion influencer Shouq Mohammed emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s attempt to open up to the world and grow its fashion and tourism sectors was commendable.
   • The swimsuit fashion show symbolized progress and a willingness to embrace diversity.
4. Cultural Shift and Vision 2030:
   • The event aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
   • The reforms aim to soften the country’s austere image and promote openness.
5. Acknowledging Achievements:
   • French influencer Raphael Simacourbe acknowledged that while the swimsuit designs were not risqué by global standards, in the Saudi context, it was a major achievement.
   • The show reflected the country’s evolving fashion industry, which accounted for $12.5 billion in 2022 and employed 230,000 people.

In summary, the audience recognized the significance of this fashion show as a step toward a more inclusive and progressive Saudi Arabia¹

How did the models feel about participating in this show?                                       

The models who participated in Saudi Arabia’s first-ever swimsuit fashion show expressed a mix of emotions and sentiments. Let’s delve into their feelings:

1. Yasmina Qanzal (Moroccan Designer):
   • Yasmina Qanzal, the Moroccan designer behind the swimsuit collection, felt honored to be part of this groundbreaking event.
   • She recognized that hosting a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia was a historic moment.
   • Despite the country’s conservative norms, she aimed to showcase elegant swimsuits that represented the Arab world.
2. Shouq Mohammed (Syrian Fashion Influencer):
   • Shouq Mohammed, a Syrian fashion influencer who attended the show, emphasized that it was not surprising given Saudi Arabia’s attempt to open up to the world and grow its fashion and tourism sectors.
   • She believed that having a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia was possible and a significant achievement.
3. Raphael Simacourbe (French Influencer):
   • Raphael Simacourbe, another attendee, didn’t find the swimsuits risqué by global standards.
   • However, he acknowledged that in the Saudi context, it was indeed a major achievement.
   • The show represented the country’s evolving fashion industry, which accounted for $12.5 billion in 2022 and employed 230,000 people.