The fashion show is another testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to loosen its grip on some stern restrictions.
In a never-seen-before move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted its first fashion show featuring swimsuit models on Friday, May 17, 2024.
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 the Red Sea Global, one of the giga-projects at the heart of the Gulf kingdom's Vision 2030 social and economic reform programme embarked upon by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The poolside event featured the work of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, including mostly one-piece suits in shades of red, beige and blue.
The fashion show is another testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to loosen its grip on some stern restrictions.
In a never-seen-before move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted its first fashion show featuring swimsuit models on Friday, May 17, 2024.
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 the Red Sea Global, one of the giga-projects at the heart of the Gulf kingdom's Vision 2030 social and economic reform programme embarked upon by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The poolside event featured the work of Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, including mostly one-piece suits in shades of red, beige and blue.
Unprecedented show in Saudi Arabia
Most models had exposed shoulders and some had their midriffs partially visible, unprecedented scenes in a country where less than a decade ago women were required to wear body-covering abaya robes.
“It’s true that this country is very conservative but we tried to show elegant swimsuits which represent the Arab world.
“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 an event,” Qanzal told AFP, adding it was “an honour” to be involved.
