From Ali Latif to Salma Abu Deif, 10 Arab Models Changing the Norms
By Yara Osama
Arab models began to fiercely break stereotypes that require models in the global fashion scene to have and follow certain features and criteria. However, the tide has turned and Arab models became an essential part of bringing variety to the fashion industry worldwide. They are not only part of the international runways, but also, they are gracing many prominent magazines’ covers. It’s known that modeling is usually euro-centric and lacked diversity; as models were usually chosen based on height, skinny body, and blonde hair.
However, these overwhelming standards of beauty are not relevant nowadays, because now, casting models include a variety of criteria and the industry is welcoming different ethnicities, shapes, and colors with open arms. In fact, Arab models are now the ones that are rocking the global fashion whether through magazines’ covers or international runways. We have collected some of the well-known Arab models who changed the tide of fashion modeling in the past years. So, scroll down to get to check them out!
Imaan Hamam
She is one of the most famous models from the middle east, a Moroccan-Egyptian model. Imaan has featured on different famous magazine covers as American Vogue covers, Elle magazine covers, and Vogue Arabia covers. Not only magazine covers that Imaan rocked but also, she has been modeling collections of Versace, Chanel, and Moschino.
Hind Sahli
A Moroccan model who became one of the most known middle eastern models in the global fashion industry. Hind has been modeling a collection of different very known brands as Nike, Givenchy, Saint Laurent, Dior, and Gucci. Never to forget her rocking the covers of Bazaar magazine, L’officiel magazine, and Elle magazine.
Salma Abu Deif
Not only a good actress but also an incredible model that had her catwalks on runways. Her Arab features are what differentiates her from other models. She also has been part of Vogue Arabia, Vogue Italia and Elle Arabia covers. Salma also rocked while modeling Alexander Mcqueen and Zimmermann’s collections.
Tilila Oulhaj
A Moroccan model is full of modeling passion. Few years after her first steps towards modeling, Tilila became the face of Yves Saint Laurent’s cosmetics collection. She also rocked the Vogue Arabia cover. But what Tilila is interested in the most is the local fashion brands as Moncler, Bougroug, and Burberry.
Kenza Fourati
A Tunisian model who wanted to promote cultural heritage. She has been a part of the shooting of Vogue covers, Marie Claire and Elle magazine. She walked on Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Chanel, Dior, and Jean-Paul Gaultier catwalks as well.
Nora Attal
A Moroccan- British model who has started her career with high fashion campaign JW Anderson. Such a strong start gave Nora the opportunity to be part of other big industries such as Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Versace, Burberry, Chanel, Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen, and Dior. Nora also has been on the covers of British Vogue and Vogue Arabia.
Ali Latif
A Tunisian model who was the main face for different covers of Vogue Spain and Fantastic Man. Ali also walked for different fashion shows of AMI and Haider Ackermann. He has been part of different shootings for Versace and Coach campaigns. We are not done yet; Ali is also the face of a Balmain hair product line.
Habiba El Kobrossy
An Egyptian model was chosen to be part of known labels across Egypt, France, Italy, and the UAE. Habiba graced Vogue Italia and Elle covers, with her unique and bold features. This girl is going to dominate the global fashion scene.
Ahmad Kontar
Kontar is a Syrian model decided to turn from a dancer to a model who rocks fashion globally. He now is a part of one of the global model networks “Elite models”. Kontar also was one of the attractive faces on L’Officiel Homme and Man About Town cover pages.
Shahad Salman
A Saudi model with vitiligo who had her passion for fashion. Shahad broke the boundaries that surround many Saudi women and became a well-known middle eastern model. Her unique face ended up with her on the cover of Vogue Arabia, and also being part of several runways walking.
