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Editor’s Letter: Celebrating the Return of Fashion in the Middle East

Manuel Arnaut

Vogue Arabia editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut. Photo: Ziga Mihelcic

Fashion is back! If you have any doubts about it, I invite you to check Arabia’s latest fashion calendar: in October alone, Giorgio Armani showcased a runway show at the Burj Khalifa, and Cartier inaugurated the meaningful Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. This month, Chanel presents its Cruise show in Dubai, and in Qatar, Fashion Trust Arabia is hosting a lavish three-day event in Doha that includes the opening of a major Dior exhibition in the city. Of course, you can read all about it in the magazine, while having access to all the festivities live via Vogue.me and our social media platforms.

The current events, and the general spirit of celebration of fashion in the region, inspired us to curate this issue with a maximalist and flamboyant approach, bursting with dresses, jewelry, and beauty that make you dream, and put you in that right mood to live life to the fullest. Also with plenty of reasons to celebrate, Oscar winner Penélope Cruz, who recently took home the best actress award at the Venice film festival, shines in our cover.

Cruz wears Chanel. Photographed by Luigi and Iango for Vogue Arabia November 2021

The Spanish actor will be in town for the Chanel Cruise show, so this was the perfect opportunity to catch up with the cinema icon. We met in Madrid for a photo shoot conducted by Luigi and Iango, and we had an interesting conversation about her career, her long-time collaboration with director Pedro Almodóvar, and the impact of social media on our lives–something Cruz has strong opinions about, as you can read in this month’s issue.

Another woman I’m proud to feature this month is Andrée Acouri, who looks glorious at 80 years young. Acouri was the first ever Arab top model and had a brilliant career walking for prestigious maisons such as Dior, Chanel, and Saint Laurent. After opening a modeling agency in Beirut, she mentored the young Georgina Rizk, who, under her wing, became the region’s first Miss Universe in 1971. Before I leave you with all these exciting stories, I would like to announce that Vogue’s Ball of Arabia will be back in December, this year in celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the UAE. I can’t give more details for now, but I can tell you that it’s something you will not want to miss.

Read Next: Penélope Cruz Stars on Vogue Arabia’s November Cover Ahead of Her Visit to Dubai

Originally published in the November 2021 issue of Vogue Arabia

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