“One of my first gigs was with French Vogue… After one or two months, I signed a contract with Lancôme, and this was one of my biggest dreams.”
This is how Hanaa Ben Abdesslem describes the stellar launch of her modeling career. With her high cheekbones and jet-black pixie cut, the Tunisian model has walked for some of the most prestigious fashion houses. Ben Abdesslem, who is one of Vogue Arabia’s October cover stars alongside Farida Khelfa, Kenza Fourati, and Afef Jnifen, has graced the runways of Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Vivienne Westwood. A game-changer in her own right, Ben Abdesslem was the first Arab model to feature in a Pirelli calendar and the first Muslim brand ambassador for cosmetics maison Lancôme.
Following her shoot with photographer Tom Munro, Ben Abdesslem had a one-on-one conversation withVogue Arabia editor-in-chief, Manuel Arnaut. In the interview she reflected on her highly successful modeling career and offered up advice to young Arab women who want to follow in her footsteps. Watch the video ahead and don’t forget to pick up a copy of the magazine, which is out now. Subscribe here.
