FALCON POWERS – On Friday, a fashion show featuring swimwear was held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking an unprecedented event in the Gulf country where women were previously not allowed to leave their homes without wearing black abayas. The models showcased swimwear designed by Moroccan fashion designer Yasmina Qanzil, revealing their arms and legs in the show that took place near a swimming pool.
Qanzil told the French news agency, AFP, “When we came here, we realized that a swimwear fashion show in Saudi Arabia represents a historic event in this country.”
The show took place on the second day of the inaugural “Red Sea Fashion Week” at a grand luxury hotel on Ummahat Al-Sheikh Island, located off the western coast of Saudi Arabia, accessible only by boats or watercraft.
In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented social reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, easing restrictions imposed on women and organizing numerous entertainment events. Previously, as the world’s largest oil-exporting country, Saudi Arabia imposed strict rules on women, including a ban on driving and the mandatory wearing of abayas and hijabs. These restrictions were lifted a few years ago, but the Personal Status Law, which came into effect in 2022, still contains provisions that are seen as discriminatory against women.
Qanzil said, “It is true that this country is very conservative, but we tried to showcase elegant swimwear that represents the Arab world.”
Raphael Simacourbe, a French social media influencer who attended the fashion show, regarded the event as a “great success” for Saudi Arabia.
He added, “It is a great courage for them to organize such an event, and I am very happy to have attended it.”
