Historic Swimwear Debut: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fashion Week Day 2
Saudi Arabia recently witnessed a historic milestone during Day 2 of the Red Sea Fashion Week, as models graced the runway in swimsuits for the first time. The event, featuring poolside presentations by renowned designers, marks a groundbreaking shift in a country known for its conservative dress codes. Keep scrolling to see photos from the show.
On Day 2 of the Red Sea Fashion Week, Moroccan designer Yasmina Qanzal, along with labels Sara Altwaim and Eau Swimwear, presented their collections. Yasmina’s show embraced vibrant fabrics and colors, while Sara Altwaim’s models walked the runway in lace-embroidered dresses and thigh-high slit silhouettes. During Eau’s show, models showcased one-piece swimsuits in bold shades of red, pink, green, and blue. The swimsuits featured shoulder-baring designs, partially exposed midriffs, and plunging necklines with body-hugging silhouettes.
In addition to the colorful swimsuits and stylish cuts, the models accessorized their looks with strappy stilettos, straw bags perfect for a beach getaway, sunglasses, head scarves, and sarongs. This event, marking the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted the Red Sea Fashion Week, began on Thursday at Ummahat Island, promising three days of style and glamour at the St Regis Red Sea Resort.
Prince Mohammed, who became first in line to the throne in 2017, has initiated a series of dramatic social reforms aimed at softening Saudi Arabia’s global image. According to AFP, these changes include sidelining stick-wielding religious police, reintroducing cinemas, and organizing mixed-gender music festivals. However, these reforms have also coincided with increased repression targeting dissent, including from conservative clerics who might oppose such moves.