Challenging Gender Norms: Male Model Ziad al-Mesfer Makes Waves in Saudi Arabia

April 17, 2022 — Riyadh (AFP)
In a striking display of individuality, Ziad al-Mesfer turned heads during a recent photoshoot in Riyadh, where he sported hot pink hair extensions and a leopard print pantsuit, challenging the deeply conservative norms of Saudi Arabia.
As he stepped out of his luxury car into a trendy cafe area, onlookers quickly began capturing the moment on their mobile devices, with al-Mesfer accompanied by a stylist and photographer.
At just 25 years old, al-Mesfer has amassed a significant social media following, becoming a trailblazer for a select group of Saudi male models willing to embrace fashion typically deemed feminine, thereby challenging the kingdom’s rigid gender expectations.
His audacious style has garnered attention from high-end brands eager to capitalize on a changing social landscape, a transformation accelerated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent reforms.
However, al-Mesfer’s bold choices come with risks. While he has many enthusiastic supporters, particularly teenage girls on Snapchat, he has also faced hostility—encountering criticism from a middle-aged man during a shoot who labeled him as “gay,” a serious accusation in Saudi Arabia. The country has strict laws against men who “imitate women” or wear women’s attire.
Despite these challenges, al-Mesfer identifies as straight and plans to marry a woman, stating that his style is an expression of global fashion trends rather than personal identity. “It is better for me to stay in my country and wear these clothes,” he asserted. “I am not waiting for a trip abroad to show off a bold outfit.”
Born in Riyadh as the eldest of six siblings, al-Mesfer cultivated his fashion sense early, often styling his mother and aunts. His public expression of fashion became feasible after the Crown Prince initiated measures to modernize the kingdom’s image, including loosening dress codes for women.
Starting about two years ago, he began sharing his looks on Snapchat, a platform that erases posts after they are viewed. Today, he boasts over two million followers on Snapchat and an additional 200,000 on Instagram, attracting attention from luxury brands such as Prada and Dior.
When Gucci opened a new store in Riyadh last month, inviting al-Mesfer to preview their collection was a top priority, according to senior saleswoman Loulwa Mohammed. “It’s very important to invite him, because when we invite him and take a video or picture of him wearing any item, it sells directly,” she noted, emphasizing his influence among a diverse audience of Saudis.
Despite a growing number of followers among male models and influencers inspired by his example, al-Mesfer remains unique. A sales associate at Prada remarked, “He is number one,” reflecting the distinctive status he holds in the fashion community, albeit within a complex social framework.
Fashion industry insiders warn against misinterpreting the cautious acceptance of al-Mesfer as a blanket endorsement of his lifestyle. His connection to luxury fashion houses provides him a degree of protection in a society where criticism can arise.
“We see him as a model, as a kind of artist, so we can’t judge him,” Mohammed added, acknowledging that negative reactions are not uncommon. “Saudi is a Muslim country. I wouldn’t want to see my brother doing the same thing.”
This mixed reception is evident in the comments on al-Mesfer’s Instagram posts. In response to a recent outfit featuring a striking red coat and tight purple turtleneck, one follower lamented, “may God forgive us,” while another criticized, “I am deleting Instagram after seeing this.” In contrast, a supportive fan encouraged him, saying, “Ziad, keep going, I love you, take care of yourself for the people who love you, and do what you love, and do not care about any words.”Fashion