Saudi Arabia is widely considered one of the world’s most conservative, closed-off places which has transformed and come a long way with their progressive measures in the last one year. It wasn’t long ago that women couldn’t sit with men in café’s, attend sporty events or drive cars. And what could be considered beyond imagination, young women strutting down a runway in high heels and potentially-revealing clothes? Unimaginable, right? But last week’s Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh – the first of its kind – was nothing short of historic.

This breakthrough moment, especially for women, was possible because of the 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – also known as MBS. The prince has outlined his goals for the kingdom in his Vision 2030 plan, which he admits is ‘ambitious’. Spurred by the changes MBS has implemented, the Arab Fashion Council took the opportunity to plan Riyadh’s first Fashion Week which was originally scheduled for March 25. Few months into the planning, CEO Jacob Abrian and executive president Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud sent the invitations in February, and editors, buyers and models began booking their travel. But just a few days before departure, the invitees were informed that the show has been postponed by two weeks, allegedly due to visa delays. The reshuffle meant several brands could no longer participate in Riyadh’s shows.

The hinderances didn’t stop there. With two extra weeks to finalise the plans – the new dates were April 11 to April 14. The AFC built a massive tent on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where everyone stayed but on Wedesday as editors and guests prepared for the night of shows, rumours began circulating that the tent couldn’t withstand an oncoming sandstorm. But on Thursday all rumours were put to rest. Several designers flew in from different places like Lebanon, Kazakhstan and Egypt. The show was for women-only audience and there was a ban on social media to avoid leaked photographs of women without abayas.

Model Walking the Ramp During Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh

Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh. (Photo Credits: The Rahnuma Daily/Twitter)

The collection showcased ranged from long, flowing pin-striped jackets with ruffles or tulle to a mix of streetwear, couture embellishments and traditional Saudi silhouettes. With Ramadan coming up, many local women will shop for a brand-new wardrobe of gowns and dresses for the iftar dinners, parties and other events. A designer displayed and entire collection just for Ramadan. Jean Paul Gaultier also featured his collection which showed evening-appropriate twists on the traditional abaya – drapey, monastic silk gowns, velvet robes with sparkling embellishments and neon tulle wrapped artfully around the body.

Despite a few communications foozles and postponements, Riyadh’s first Fashion Week was a positive step forward and could serve as a catalyst for other fashion, retail and entertainment opportunities in the country. We will have to wait until the next Riyadh fashion week in October to see how the fashion world would have evolved by then.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 19, 2018 12:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).