In the spirit of inclusivity and creativity, Selfridges celebrates three women making waves in the Middle East.
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.
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.
Aws Al-Jezairy
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.
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Photography Harry Carr
Style Imruh Asha
Hair Federico Ghezzi at Saint Luke
Makeup Ariel Yeh at Saint Luke
Production Camilla Fitz-Patrick
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