Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser. Photographed Miguel Reveriego for Vogue Arabia, July/August 2018
When it comes to beauty, there’s no such thing as one size fits all, and that’s a message we’re celebrating at Vogue Arabia this summer. For our July/August issue, we’ve enlisted not one, but two mega-watt models who have revolutionized the industry with their body-positive activism: Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser.
The runway stars, who were shot in New York by Miguel Reveriego for the statement-making cover, sparkle in a series of looks as they document their journeys to self-love. American Graham, who is the tenth highest-paid model in the world, opens up about her rise to the top in an insightful interview, revealing that spreading her “beauty beyond size” message might just be her “destiny.”
Ashley Graham, photographed Miguel Reveriego for Vogue Arabia, July/August 2018
“My mother told me that when I walked into a room, I would greet every single person – even at three years old,” the model tells Vogue Arabia. “It was more of an emotion that I would give people, and it would leave them feeling good about who they are. I think that’s what I’m doing today; letting women know that they are worthy, that they are beautiful, and that they can be happy with who they are in their skin.” Elsesser, the daughter of an African-American mother and Chilean-Swiss father, also charts her journey to embracing her body, revealing how she overcame negative self-talk in her formative years. “The feelings that I have about my body today aren’t very different from the way I felt about it in the first grade,” the Pat McGrath muse explains. “What has changed, is the way I navigate those feelings.”
The dynamic duo has paved a path for a more inclusive industry that embraces all shapes, and we’re following in their footsteps. In our summer issue, we also profile four women who represent four different body types – tall, athletic, voluptuous, and petite – to explore what each has learned about dressing for her shape. Influencer Nadine Abdel Aziz, competitive weightlifter Amna Al Haddad, Marc Jacobs beauty ambassador Rhea Jacobs, and designer Dima Ayad all open up about how their uniqueness has helped form their fashion choices, alongside a stunning shoot. Inside, you’ll also find a letter from editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut urging readers to embrace a healthy lifestyle and being comfortable in their own skin. As he notes, “diversity is a beautiful word that is very trendy nowadays, but hopefully it will soon be more than just a headline.”
Paloma Elsesser, photographed Miguel Reveriego for Vogue Arabia, July/August 2018
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The July/August issue also features an interview with Georgina Chapman, ex-wife of Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. Alongside a shoot by Annie Leibovitz, the Marchesa designer speaks for the first time about her marriage, divorce, and future plans. Also in Vogue Arabia this month is a tête-à-tête with Simon Porte Jacquemus, in which the ceiling-shattering designer talks family, friends, and forging his own path; a vibrant celebration of the season’s boldest jewels; and a collation of the exotic, rainbow-bright accessories you need to add to your closet. Rounding out the issue, which will hit shelves on July 1, is a trend report on everything you need to pack in your suitcase this season, from swimsuits in sunny hues to the most striking all-white pieces.
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Cover shoot credits:
Photography: Miguel Reveriego
Styling: Anya Ziourova
Hair: Rolando Beauchamp
Makeup: Morgane Martini
Nails: Casey Hermanv
