Saudi Arabia s new glitzy magazines: Progress or fashion-washing ?
While some celebrate Saudi Arabia s broadening media landscape, human rights organizations fear that imprisoned women s activists and government critics are being neglected.
The first edition of Harper s Bazaar Saudi used the newly built megacity Neom as a backdrop
Saudi Arabia s print media landscape has just been broadened with the publication of high-end lifestyle magazines Harper s Bazaar Saudi and Esquire Saudi. The permission and promotion of such glossy ventures is the latest addition to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman s Vision 2030 strategy, a social, cultural and economic overhaul of the kingdom s conservative rules.
Fashion for Muslim women can be glamorous and controversial. In the Gulf states, it's a huge potential market which European designers are trying to open.
ARTS / ART By AFP Published: Jan 27, 2021 05:13 PM
A model shows off the designs of the Khaleeki Chic (Stay stylish) collection by Saudi and Belgian designers Safia Hussein and Christophe Beaufays in Saudi Arabia s capital Riyadh s diplomatic quarter on Saturday. Photo: AFPDonning chic neck-to-toe abayas, models saunter in high heels around a swimming pool in a glitter-filled fashion show staged in the unlikeliest of places: Saudi Arabia.
Haute couture displays are rare in the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom and have usually been restricted to women or avoided female models altogether - one even displayed dresses dangling from drones.
But a private event in Riyadh last weekend - which showcased a new collection of abayas, a billowy, figure-concealing robe - opened up to a small but mixed-gender audience at a time when social restrictions are slowly being eased throughout the country.
Tuesday, 26 Jan 2021 08:15 PM MYT
A model walks during the presentation of the ‘Khaleeki Chic’ (Stay stylish) collection by Saudi and Belgian designers Safia Hussein and Christophe Beaufays, at the Belgian residence in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, January 23, 2021. AFP pic
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RIYADH, Jan 26 Donning chic neck-to-toe abayas, models saunter in high heels around a swimming pool in a glitter-filled fashion show staged in the unlikeliest of places: Saudi Arabia.
Haute couture displays are rare in the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom and have usually been restricted to women or avoided female models altogether one even displayed dresses dangling from drones.
Thigh-flashing model struts down the catwalk… in SAUDI ARABIA: Repressive kingdom attempts to display modern ideals with Western dresses and haute couture hijabs
The private event was hosted at the Belgian ambassador s residence in Saudi Arabia s Riyadh on Saturday
Models wore robes designed by Princess Safia Hussein Guerras and Belgian designer Christophe Beaufays
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been trying to project a liberal image in the conservative kingdom
Saudi women are still required to wear hijab in public, though the rule is no longer enforced on foreigners