Photo: Instagram.com/imaanhammam
As the modeling industry is slowly evolving into a more socially aware space, the 2021 Model of the Year Awards acknowledged some of the industry’s biggest names across the world, with a spotlight on personalities who are making an impact beyond borders. The finalized list of winners and nominees is officially out, with part Arab models dominating the scene through their limitless efforts towards breaking boundaries and instilling changes.
The award categories were split into seven different male and female sections this year, including Breakout Star of the Year, Social Mover of the Year, Top Model turned Actor of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Advocating for women’s health, education, and equal rights as the global ambassador of grassroots organization She’s the First, Moroccan-Egyptian model Imaan Hammam was nominated under the Social Mover category alongside other models like Karlie Kloss, Emily Ratajkowski, and Arizona Muse.
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Somali-Norwegian influencer, blogger, model and healthcare professional Rawdah Mohamed, who has in the past played Vogue Arabia cover star and was also seen at the Ball of Arabia this month, was nominated as well for her activism efforts for Muslim women around the world.
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While British model Adwoah Aboah was also voted for Social Mover of the year, part-Palestinian model Bella Hadid reportedly received the most votes.
Algerian-French model Loli Bahia was also seen on the nominations list under the Breakout Star category, which only seems fitting considering her quick rise in the industry, which has scored her several campaigns and a roster of impressive editorial work. Bahia has gained the attention of fashion houses like Chanel, Saint Laurent, Fendi, Givenchy, and Valentino. Other models nominated alongside the 19-year old included Grace Valentine, Georgia Palmer, and Estelle Chen, which placed Bahia second after the American model Quannah Chasinghorse.
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French-Algerian model Takfarines Bengana was nominated under the Male Breakout Model category. In case you missed it, Bengana’s career has picked up significantly this year. As for top model-turned-actor, Squid Games star HoYeon Jung was voted winner of the category by the industry and public polls.
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