While it’s hard to imagine a catwalk without the bold grace that comes with human models, we might observe Drones in fashion shows dominating the catwalk as time progresses. In fact, we’re already seeing this happen!
That’s right; it’s starting.
Robots are taking over just as Terminator predicted in the early 1980s (although the movie never said anything about the catwalk).
Where & why it happened
There was a recent fashion show in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that made use of Drones in fashion shows, showcasing their clothing wafting through the air rather than adorning the bodies of human models. Has it really come to this? Are drones that much more technologically advanced than humans?
Not so much.
The reason given for using drones instead of models was to make the month of Ramadan easier for those involved. Ramadan is a religious month in Islam. During this time, followers focus on spiritual reflection, worship, and self-improvement. It is also a period of fasting. Each day, fasting begins at dawn and ends at sunset.
At this stage, drones in fashion shows often act more like floating hangers than traditional fashion models. They are not yet advanced enough to present clothing in the same appealing way as human models. However, they do create a sense of wonder and curiosity among audiences. This use of drones represents an early but important step in combining technology with fashion.
This approach reflects innovation at its finest. It allows modern technology to enter an industry that is usually driven by creativity, design, and visual impact rather than robotics.
However, this change is not universally accepted. While some people see it as progress, others disagree with the use of drones in fashion shows and question their impact on the industry’s traditional appeal.
Social media speaking out
Although this is something relatively new in the world of fashion, some people have spoken out on social media against Saudi Arabia for using drones. They claim that drones in fashion shows look unusual or even unsettling. Some also believe that replacing women models with drones reflects how women are viewed in the country.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has been known for limiting women’s rights, which has led to criticism and concern about gender equality. In the past, there were strict rules about what women could wear. Over time, however, many of these restrictions have changed.
Even today, women are expected to dress modestly in public. This is often done by wearing an abaya. A hijab, or head covering, is also commonly worn. Some women also choose to wear a niqab, which covers the face in public.
Jeddah is considered more modern and liberal compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia. In this context, there is no strong evidence that drones were used to replace women or limit their participation. Instead, the use of drones in fashion shows appears to be an innovative choice. It also offered practical support during the month of Ramadan, when many people are fasting and focusing on spiritual practices.
Riyadh’s fashion week – a different story
When comparing this to Saudi Arabia’s first fashion week in its capital city, Riyadh, the fashion show in Jeddah was rather liberal. The event in Riyadh was much more conservative and the audience was totally composed of females. This event even had strict rules pertaining to what the models could show. Nothing was to be worn above the knee, transparency was severely limited, and cleavage was a big no-no.
With this being said, the kingdom has recently made headlines showcasing its decision to reform the gender-related problems, providing women with the same rights that they are entitled to in other regions around the world.
