Saudi Arabia’s First Fashion Week Kicks Off For Women Only

First ever fashion week has kicked off in Saudi Arabia. The event includes designs by Middle Eastern, Brazilian, U.S. and Russian designers, as well as shows by internationally renowned labels Roberto Cavalli and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Conforming to Saudi cultural norms and rules on gender segregation, the catwalks are kept open to women audience only and no outside cameras are allowed to film inside of the event. While the Kingdom has held fashion shows in the past, they have mostly been tied to charitable causes and did not include big names in the industry.

The commencement of first ever Saudi Fashion week marks the latest turnaround for a country that for decades has been ruled by ultraconservative dogma and can be marked as one step further towards enlightenment. Keeping in mind how conservative Saudi society has been, earlier it was also announced that cinema houses will also be opening in the country.

The first cinema in Saudi Arabia opens 18th April after years

Earlier it was reported that the fashion week will conclude with a Russian ballet performance for a women’s only audience. But later came few changes to this program. ”The ballet show from 4-6 pm is cancelled. If you have purchased the tickets for that show your ticket will be upgraded to Gala dinner with the performance of the Russian Ballet, See you at 8:30 pm , The Ritz Carlton Riyadh”, was posted by Arab Fashion Council on its official Instagram.