"breakthrough"! Saudi Arabia holds first swimsuit show
According to an Agence France-Presse report on May 17, Saudi Arabia held its first fashion show featuring swimsuit models on the 17th. It was a break from the norm in a country where less than 10 years ago women were required to wear full-length burkas.
The poolside show featured pieces by Moroccan designer Yasmina Ghazal, which featured mostly one-piece swimsuits in red, beige and blue.
"We tried to show elegant swimsuits that represent the Arab world," Ghazal told AFP.
"When we came here, we understood that hosting a swimwear fashion show in Saudi Arabia was a historic moment because it was the first time such an event had been held in the Kingdom," she said, adding that it was "an honor" to be a part of it. .
▲On May 17, Saudi Arabia held its first fashion show featuring swimsuit models.
Syrian fashionista Shouk Mohammed, who participated in the fashion show on the 17th, said that considering Saudi Arabia's attempt to open up to the world and develop fashion and tourism, it is not surprising to hold such a fashion show.
A report released last year by the official Saudi Fashion Council showed that in 2022, the output value of the Saudi fashion industry would be US$12.5 billion, accounting for 1.4% of the gross domestic product and providing 230,000 jobs.
"This is the first swimsuit show in Saudi Arabia, so why not? Seriously, why not?" Mohammed said.
French Internet celebrity Raphael Simakourbu also participated in the event on the 17th. Simakulb said there was nothing indecent about it on his part, but considering the situation in Saudi Arabia, it was a significant milestone.