Making history, the Saudi Arabia swimsuit fashion show has recently created so much noise that it could make us all deaf. On Day 2 of Red Sea Fashion Week, the country organized a swimsuit show for the spectators. For a conservative country like Saudi Arabia, the first swimsuit fashion show is the greatest historic move the country has ever undertaken.
The fashion show displayed models in different swimwear—mostly one-pieces that included beachwear and monokinis. The nation’s choice to host this fashion show was the turning point, especially when all they were allowed to wear abayas. The body-covering abayas, hijabs, and thobes were the only things which Saudi Arabian women are allowed to wear. and this decision was not even a decade old. However, it all seems to be changing given this swimsuit fashion show.
With this landmark event, Saudi Arabia featured the designs of the famous Moroccan fashion designer, Yasmina Qanzal. Two designer labels- Sara Altwaim and Eau Swimwear also showcased their swimsuit collections. Occurring poolside at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, swimsuit models showcased the beautiful collection of Qanzal’s one-pieces.
These pieces were in beige, red, green, orange, blue, etc. Most models with plunging necklines, exposed shoulders or partially visible midriffs walked the fashion show in flattering swimwear. Let’s now find out what people have to say about this historical fashion show along with how this change will help the nation to grow.
How People In The Saudi Arabia Swimsuit Fashion Show Reacted?
The fashion show garnered diverse reactions from attendees and designers. Nothing like this had come from Saudi Arabia a year ago, but now with this phenomenal show, the world is seeing the nation with different eyes. When asked about the show, designer Qanzal told AFP, “It’s true that this country is very conservative, but we tried to showcase elegant swimsuits that represent the Arab world.”
Additionally, she mentioned that after coming to Saudi Arabia, she learned that this swimsuit fashion show is going to be the country’s first show featuring swimsuits. This will mark a historic moment, and she loves the fact that she has been involved; it’s an absolute honor for her.
Shouq Mohammed, a Syrian fashion influencer who is spotted clapping for the models, remarked that the fashion show isn’t surprising. He pointed out, due to Saudi Arabia’s aim to broaden global horizons and expand their tourism and fashion zones. For him, why a swimsuit fashion show won’t happen in Saudi Arabia, maybe the first time but it’s right here.
Also attending the show on Friday, Raphael Simacourbe, a French influencer, thinks it doesn’t seem daring in his eyes. Rather for the country, this is a major achievement. Later he added, the Saudi Arabia swimsuit fashion show is indeed a brave approach and how he is happy to become a part of it.
What Contributions Did The Saudi Arabia Swimsuit Fashion Show Make?
The inaugural Saudi Arabia swimsuit fashion show is significant enough to achieve both cultural and economic milestones. At the St. Regis Red Sea Resort, located on the western coast of Saudi Arabia, this fashion show took center stage. The resort is vital to the Red Sea Global project, a major venture in Saudi Arabia. The projects are key to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
So, this event organized at the resort helped the country establish a good reputation, along with boosting economies to support its existing fashion and tourism sectors. According to a report from the Saudi Fashion Committee, the country’s fashion industry contributed a significant $12.5 billion. This accounts for around 1.4% of the national GDP in 2022.
This further encouraged the nation to employ more than 230,000 individuals in the fashion industry itself. After ascending the throne in 2017, Prince Salman is the first person in his generation to launch a set of dramatic social reforms. These reforms focus on softening the strict image traditionally created by a severe form of Islam, called Wahhabism.
Some reforms initiated in Saudi Arabia sidelined the religious police who are behind the enforcement of prayers in shopping malls. Therefore, the reforms are behind reestablishing cinemas and planning music festivals for both genders to come together. However, while these brought positive changes, they have begun the oppression of suppressing dissenting voices.
What Is The Dress Code Of Saudi Arabia For Women?
If you are a foreign woman visiting the country for the first time, you are likely to be not accustomed to its dress code. The fashion show allows swimsuits, but the nation enforces strict clothing rules. It is a bit of a difficult task as you can only hear, imagine, or see on the internet.
So, as we will tell you, you can stop wondering what exactly you need to wear when going for a trip in Saudi Arabia. But the dress code isn’t the same for the local women and foreigners. There is a stark difference between a woman living in Saudi Arabia and you, a foreigner. The difference becomes more pronounced when you are a non-Muslim.
To symbolize that you are free to wear what you wish, the laws have loosened their grip and no longer restrict women from wearing abaya and hijab to cover their head. In late 2019, abaya was made non-compulsory for women coming from foreign countries. Therefore, you may say that now there is nothing as an official dress code.
Wear any modest clothes serving the purpose of covering enough arms, legs, chest, and bum. Many foreign women wear abaya due to their comfort and style but if you don’t choose one, rely on other attires. Not even men are seen in shorts, let alone women. From tight pants, to shirts, to miniskirts, both Muslim and non-Muslim are debarred from wearing them on any ground.
Will This Swimsuit Fashion Show Impact The Dress Code Of Saudi Arabia?
This debated fashion show has created an uproar on social media. While some disapprove of it, others praise Saudi Arabia for this bold and unorthodox move. No one is certain of the fashion show’s impact on the country’s dress code. In fact, Saudi Arabia has always imposed strict restrictions on women’s dressing in public spaces.
The fashion show and Vision 2030 aim to modernize Arab society for women. Although these reforms are of recent origin, you can’t expect them to have an immediate impact on society. Currently, Saudi Arabia and foreign women cannot wear swimsuits.
Meanwhile, we can’t stop applauding the fact that this fashion show has brought about cultural openness and liberalization. Women wearing diverse clothes can shift perspectives significantly. Setting a precedent, it has opened up the emerging fashion in the nation. Furthermore, you may expect the impact of this event over time, only if it receives acceptance from at least half of the population.
Be hopeful that this fashion show will influence social attitudes and public perceptions. Because this will eventually give women the liberty in dressing while staying in urban parts of the country and attending private and international events. Despite criticisms, Saudi Arabia moves its heritage forward openly. We must wait to see the changes it brings for women’s dress code.
Final Thoughts
What do you think about this swimsuit fashion show? What would be your take on this historic fashion show if you were living in the country ? Or what would be your opinion if you sat there as an audience? With Saudi Arabia’s first swimsuit fashion show, we anticipate more in the future. Lastly, these fashion shows might gradually diminish the strict laws imposed on women regarding their dressing.
