Saudi Arabia organized its first-ever swimsuit fashion show, a departure from its traditionally conservative dress codes.
The event, held at the St Regis Red Sea Resort during Red Sea Fashion Week, showcased the designs of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal.
The collection featured mostly one-piece swimsuits in shades of red, blue, and beige, with models displaying exposed shoulders and, in some cases, midriffs. “It’s true that this country is very conservative, but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world,” Qanzal commented to AFP.
The fashion show is part of the broader social and economic reforms under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since his rise to prominence in 2017, Prince Mohammed has introduced radical social changes, such as diminishing the powers of religious police, re-opening cinemas, and supporting mixed-gender music festivals.
These reforms are designed to reshape Saudi Arabia’s international image and stimulate growth in fashion and tourism, which are pivotal for the kingdom’s economic diversification plans. In 2022, the fashion industry contributed $12.5 billion, or 1.4 per cent, to the national GDP and employed 230,000 people.
Attendees at the event acknowledged the show’s groundbreaking nature. Syrian fashion influencer Shouq Mohammed noted, “It’s the first time a swimsuit fashion show has been held in Saudi Arabia, but why not? It’s possible, and we have it here.” French influencer Raphael Simacourbe also praised the initiative, recognizing it as a bold move within the Saudi context.
