Afef Jnifen wears Giambattista Valli photographed by Tom Munro for the October issue of Vogue Arabia
Any place Afef Jnifen goes, paparazzi and camera crew are likely not too far behind. Regardless of whether she’s modeling fresh-off-the-runway looks, giving a speech about her homeland Tunisia at Inter Campus UN or stealing the spotlight at a red carpet event, the supermodel knows how to make a head-turning impact. In honor of the supermodel, actress, and TV presenter’s birthday (November 3), here’s a round-up of the six best moments from her career :
1. Judging Project Runway Middle East
In 2016, the supermodel was invited to be one of the jury members alongside Elie Saab at the Project Runway Middle East edition. She was acting as a mentor for the aspiring creatives and providing them with invaluable words of wisdom about the designs and industry. “My message is that everything is possible but achieving your dreams requires hard work and consistency. Attention to detail will take you a long way.” Afef told designer Hatem Alakeel when he asked her about any message she would like to share with the creative designers in an interview.
2. Linda Farrow SS18 Campaign
After a long gap from the modeling industry, Jnifen appeared in a poolside video lensed by Mariano Vivanco alongside Cici Ziang and Arnaud Lemaire for Linda Farrow’s SS18 Campaign. Jnifen told WWD that she had two reasons for returning to the modeling career, “First of all, Linda Farrow is my favorite eyewear brand since forever. Then I was happy and honored to work with Mariano Vivanco.”
3. L’Oréal Paris Ambassador
Afef’s curly hair has always been her signature. In 2008, alongside actress Rachida Brakni, Afef was chosen to represent the new haircare range for curly or wavy hair: Elseve Boucles Sublimes launched by L’Oréal Paris. The supermodel said, “L’Oréal Paris has always been a forerunner in terms of trends and science. So it’s great to represent this new line of care. ” The two women representing beauty and diversity posed for the curly hair care line, under the slogan: “Show your curls, because you’re worth it”.
Afef Jnifen and Rachida Brakni for the L’Oréal Paris Elseve Boucles Sublimes Campaign. Photo: L’Oréal Paris via Dziriya
4. Fashion 4 Development Goodwill Ambassador
In addition to walking down the runway of major trending brands, Afef Jnifen is also a civil human rights activist and has been doing some life-changing work throughout her career by acting as an occasional agitator against Arab causes and publicly criticizing anti-Arab discrimination. She was honored at the Fashion 4 Development annual First Ladies Luncheon in New York in 2017 as the new Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East.
Afef Jnifen attends Fashion 4 Development’s 7th Annual First Ladies Luncheon at The Pierre Hotel on September 19, 2017, in New York City. Photo: Getty Images
5. Ambassadress for Action Innocence
Action innocence is a private voluntary organization that helps protect children’s dignity and integrity on the web against dangers of pedophilia and sexual maltreatment. Jnifen was the acting ambassador for the private organization. Additionally, in the past, she has also coordinated with Telefono Azzurro and worked for the Inter Campus, an association that gives back the privilege to play to a large number of poor kids, utilizing the estimations of sports and the sport of football as an educational tool.
Afef Jnifen is an ambassadress for Action Innocence. Photo: Instagram/@afefjnifen
6. Vogue Arabia cover star
In October 2017, Afef Jnifen shared the Vogue Arabia cover with Kenza Fourati, Hanaa Ben Adbesslem, and Farida Khelfa. Jnifen told Editor-in-Chief, Manuel Arnaut that “Young women should have self-respect and a strong personality above all.” She also explained how simplicity is better than Botox at 20, fake nails, and excessive makeup.
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