Arab models have been few and far between but things are starting to change slowly. Recently a quartet of Moroccan beauties have become regulars on the international catwalk and we think that a trend can be officially declared. These Moroccan models showcase the best of Arab elegance, grace, and the unique beauty of the Middle East.
Rania Benchegra
Rania was discovered in 2011 at a Marrakech mall by an Elite Model Look scout. She went on to win the agency’s competition and her career has been on the up and up ever since, with a lead in the H&M “Forever Summer” campaign, a cameo in the Victoria’s Secret PINK campaign, and plenty of appearances in international fashion shows. She is also rapidly becoming an Instagram star and a role model for Arab girls and women in the region and around the world.
Imaan Hammam
Half Moroccan and half Egyptian raised Amsterdam, Imaan Hammam was discovered by CODE management scouts in 2010 in an Amsterdam train station. She has become a fixture on the international catwalk, appearing in dozens of runway shows for all the top fashion brands from Givenchy to Tom Ford to Vera Wang. In addition to numerous luxury print campaigns, she has appeared in international editions of Vogue on various occasions, including the cover of a September issue, and is reportedly a favourite of Anna Wintour. Hammam is a proud Muslim who wants to be a role model for girls of colour.
Hind Sahli
Since being signed in 2008 and leaving Morocco for New York and Paris, Hind Sahli has becoming a rising star in the modelling industry. She has appeared in runway shows for Marc Jacobs, Kenzo, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, and many others. She has also appeared in print campaigns for Estee Lauder and in Italian Vogue. From a traditional family, Sahli has managed to merge her international modelling career with her Moroccan Muslim background and has gained strong support from family, friends, and fans at home and abroad.
Nora Attal
British of Moroccan descent, Noral Attal was discovered by British designer J.W. Anderson. Attal made her debut fronting the designer’s Spring 2014 campaign, has since become an international runway fixture. The J. W. Anderson campaign was just the start to Nora Attal’s career, who was named one of Model.com’s Top Newcomers in their breakout season category this season. After her appearances at Dior’s Cruise show in Blenheim Palace, Prada’s Resort show, as well as walking in Fendi’s Fall 2016 Couture show on the Trevi Fountain, she opened for J.W. Anderson and Acne Studios, and walked for elite brands such as Burberry, Prada and Céline. She was also featured in Grazia Chiuri’s first Christian Dior Haute Couture collection, and also made a splash at the Prada Fall 2017 Men’s show in Milan.