Khilkhal: The latest trend for Saudi men

Men's anklet, the new fad.

JEDDAH: Exotic fashion seems to know no time, culture or gender; not even in societies that jealously guard their traditions and culture, like those in the Arab world.
Despite the surprises they cause to the rest of the society, some still wear crazy, most unusual and surprising fashion styles.
Some Saudis have been following a new fad that spread mostly among adolescents, which is “anklets” (khilkhal), known since the time of the ancient Egyptians to the present day as accessories for women's feet.
Some Islamic sects forbid them, considering them some kind of luxury, while others do not consider that they detract from the value of men.
Social researcher Ali Al-Ghamdi said that wearing khilkhal can be considered a rebellion against the norms, "but according to those who do it, it does not exceed the fashion realm. In general, a man cannot display such accessories, considered typical of women and incompatible with the nature of man.”
Twitter posts attacked this phenomenon, described it as bad and exotic, and called for banning it by adopting strict penalties on the wearers in Saudi Arabia, particularly, and in the Arab society, in general.
Girls were harsher in reproach, saying it distorts the image of man and diminishes his status and nature.
Some sellers in youth accessory shops said that this fashion has not yet arrived in the Saudi market, and refuse to sell such girly stuff in their stores, stressing that they sell manly items such as leather bracelets and others.
Abdul Rahman Al-Ghamdi, owner of an accessories shop said: “The Internet has become the main engine of young fashion. It is the first gate for the deployment of the latest trends, which usually starts by singing stars and international football players. I believe that what was shared on Twitter was only three rare photos that did not find acceptance among fashion lovers.”