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These Women Are Breaking Barriers in the Middle East to Create a More Inclusive World

In the spirit of inclusivity and creativity, Selfridges celebrates three women making waves in the Middle East.

Halima Aden

Photographed by Harry Carr. Dress, headscarf, Versace; polo neck, Calvin Klein 205W39NYC; shoes, Dries van Noten; all available at Selfridges. Tights, stylist’s own

As the first hijab-wearing model to walk New York fashion week, two-time Vogue Arabia cover model Halima Aden has shifted perceptions and connected worlds like few before her. Her spirit of inclusivity, bravery, and philanthropy is reflected not only in her work in the fashion industry but also in her humanitarian campaigns with Unicef. The Somali-American Muslim model is also no stranger to breaking stereotypes. Aden has done campaigns for Nike and Fenty Beauty and earlier this year she became the first model to pose in a hijab and burkini on the cover of Sports Illustrated‘s swimsuit issue. “It’s important for me to never forget where I came from and to always have an eye on where I’m going. My career has really just begun – there’s so much more I want to accomplish,” the model previously shared in our April 2019 issue.

Photographed by Harry Carr. Dress, Y/Project; hat, Gladys Tamez Millinery; all available at Selfridges

Photographed by Harry Carr. Dress, headscarf, Versace; all available at Selfridges

Hanaa Ben Abdesslem

Photographed by Harry Carr. Blazer, Maje; Top, Calvin Klein 205W39NYC; skirt, Jil Sander; sunglasses, Gucci; all available at Selfridges. Tights, stylist’s own

The London-based Tunisian model, who appeared on Vogue Arabia’s October 2017 cover, is no stranger to the catwalk, having walked for Chanel, Giambattista Valli, and Oscar de la Renta. However, her first ever show in New York was for Reem Acra.“When I saw Hanaa for the first time, I thought, wow. What a face. She was so new. I was looking at someone born in the Middle East with that Middle Eastern look,” Acra has previously shared with Vogue Arabia. In a celebration of inclusivity, she was also the first Muslim brand ambassador 
for Lancôme, something she says was one of her biggest dreams. Abdesslem made waves in the region when she became the first Arab model to be featured in the Pirelli calendar (a glamour trade calendar published by the brand’s UK subsidiary) and has also been a muse for Tunisian-born couturier Azzedine Alaïa, for many years.

Photographed by Harry Carr. Blazer, Ader Error; dress, Gareth Pugh; hat, Gladys Tamez Millinery; all available at Selfridges

Photographed by Harry Carr. Dress coat, Comme des Garçons; top, Ninety Percent; all available at Selfridges

Photographed by Harry Carr. Blazer, leggings, headscarf, Versace; shirt, Ellery; all available at Selfridges

Photographed by Harry Carr. Dress, Jil Sander; hat, Gladys Tamez Millinery; all available at Selfridges

Aws Al-Jezairy

Photographed by Harry Carr. Coat, Sacai; top, Issey Miyake; all available at Selfridges

The daughter of two journalists, Aws Al-Jezairy has storytelling in her blood. She has fearlessly reported from Egypt and Syrian refugee camps in Turkey in her quest to share news that could lead to a positive change in the world. She has contributed to hard-hitting journalism during her three years at the youth media company Vice UK and is on the path for doing the same in the region as the Managing Editor at Vice Arabia.

Photographed by Harry Carr. Suit, Samsöe & Samsöe; shirt, Ellery; all available at Selfridges

Shop the edit at Selfridges.com, the Selfridges app and in their stores. 

Photography Harry Carr
Style Imruh Asha
Hair Federico Ghezzi at Saint Luke
Makeup Ariel Yeh at Saint Luke
Production Camilla Fitz-Patrick

Read Next: Special Edition: Vogue Arabia Travel Guide to London

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