Historical change in Saudi Arabia!( Saudi Arabia)

A new chapter was written in the history of Saudi Arabia ( Saudi Arabia) on Friday. In a country where less than a decade ago, women were required to wear abaya dress covering the whole body, the first fashion show was held in the same country in which swimsuit models participated. This fashion show is a symbol of a big change in a country like Saudi Arabia.

In this show held at the pool side, dresses designed by Moroccan designer Yasmina Kanjal were presented. Most of these included one-piece suits in red, beige and blue colors. Most of the models who appeared in the fashion show had their shoulders open and some had a part of the midsection visible.

Designer Yasmina Kanjal said, “It is true that this country is very conservative but we tried to show great swimsuits that represent the Arab world.”

“When we came here, we understood that the swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia is a historic moment because this is the first time such a show has taken place here,” Kanjal said. She said it was an “honor” to be a part of the event.

The fashion show took place on the second day of the opening of Red Sea Fashion Week at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The resort is part of Red Sea Global, one of the so-called giga-projects under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 social and economic reform program. These projects are taking shape under the guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman became the first in line for the throne in 2017. He began a series of dramatic social reforms to soften Saudi Arabia’s historically prevalent strict Islamic image in the form of Wahhabism.

Under these changes, the religious police that wielded force in Saudi Arabia were sidelined. This is the same police that used to kick people out of malls to pray. Cinemas have reopened in the country and concerts for men and women have begun to be held.

The prince is responding to a system of intense repression targeting dissent, including conservative clerics who may oppose such measures.

Syrian fashion influencer Shouk Mohammad, who attended the fashion show, said it was not surprising given Saudi Arabia’s efforts to open up to the world and develop its fashion and tourism sectors.

According to a report published last year by the official Saudi Fashion Commission, the fashion industry contributed $12.5 billion to the country’s economy in 2022, or 1.4 percent of GDP, and employed 230,000 people.

“This is the first time for a swimsuit fashion show in Saudi Arabia, but why not? Really why not?” said Shouk Mohammad. He said, “It is possible and we have done it here.”

French influencer Raphael Simacorbe, who was a part of this fashion show, said that in his eyes there is nothing strange, but considering the Saudi context, it is a big achievement. He said, “It is a very brave thing for them to do this, so I am very happy to be a part of it.”