Flair Magazine By Menna Saad El Din
The fashion landscape is in constant flux, ever-evolving, yet every so often, a wave emerges that doesn’t just ride the trends but actively reshapes them. We are currently witnessing such a powerful shift, as a new generation of models from the Middle East, North Africa, and the wider Arab world confidently steps into the global spotlight, demanding—and receiving—recognition for their unique beauty, heritage, and undeniable presence.
I remember when I was 11 or 12, my mom had a subscription for the Victoria’s Secret catalogue and there was one model who always caught my eye – because she was the only model at the time who had olive skin, almond shaped dark eyes, and dark hair. I was so drawn to her because she had my colouring and looked so familiar.
Her name was Yasmeen Ghauri and she was one of the major supermodels of the 1990s, renowned for her powerful runway walk and striking look. Although Ghauri was not of Arab or Middle Eastern origin – she was actually born in Montreal to a German mother and a Pakistani father – her unique look made her a trailblazer in the fashion industry, helping to usher in a more diverse ideal of beauty on international runways. She became a frequent face in the Victoria’s Secret catalogues and iconic swimsuit issues, and walked in the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show starting in 1996.
For too long, the narrative around beauty in high fashion was singularly focused, consisting of an array of “vanilla” faces and colors, often overlooking the rich diversity that exists across the globe. Decades later, the fashion industry is finally waking up, embracing the captivating allure and identities of models who bring their distinct cultural narratives to every catwalk and campaign. And with the Middle East making its name be known beyond politics, these models aren’t just faces; they are ambassadors, storytellers, and pioneers, redefining what it means to be a global supermodel.
Let’s meet some of the compelling women and men making their indelible mark on the industry right now:
Nora Attal: The Epitome of Effortless Chic
Hailing from London with Moroccan roots, Nora Attal has been a consistent force on the international circuit since her debut. Her striking gaze and elegant poise make her a favorite for both editorial features and runway spectacles. Recently, Nora graced the Fall/Winter 2024 runways for major houses, walking for Chanel, Dior, and Fendi, embodying a timeless sophistication. Beyond the catwalk, her versatility shines in campaigns; she was prominently featured in Versace’s recent accessories campaign and frequently appears in Vogue editorials, solidifying her status as a high-fashion darling. Nora represents a refined, understated beauty that speaks volumes without needing to shout.
Imaan Hammam: The Egyptian-Moroccan Supernova
No contemporary conversation about Arab models is complete without acknowledging the powerhouse that is Imaan Hammam. With Egyptian and Moroccan heritage, Imaan has consistently topped industry lists and maintains a fierce presence on the world’s most prestigious runways. A true veteran at only 28, she continues to secure major bookings, including walking in the latest season for brands like Valentino and Fendi. Imaan has been a face for major beauty contracts and, recently, was nominated for a major industry award, cementing her status not just as a model, but as a vocal advocate for diversity in fashion. Her success acts as a powerful beacon for all aspiring Egyptian and North African talent.
Sohaila Kandil: Cairo’s Edgy Global Muse
From Cairo, Sohaila Kandil has brought a refreshingly edgy aesthetic to the global scene. Known for her bold style, often sporting a striking buzz cut or a sharp bob, Sohaila challenges conventional beauty norms. Her powerful individuality has resonated with luxury houses, leading to her being featured in high-profile campaigns for brands like YSL, Jean Paul Gaultier, Fendi, and Bulgari. She is a prime example of an Egyptian model carving out a niche in high fashion with attitude, and a distinct, modern identity.
Malika El Maslouhi: The Bohemian Muse with a Fierce Edge
Moroccan-Italian stunner Malika El Maslouhi possesses an ethereal quality, a captivating blend of strength and softness that makes her instantly memorable. Her distinctive features and commanding presence have made her a runway staple. This past season, Malika was seen at Givenchy, Missoni, and Roberto Cavalli, showcasing her ability to morph effortlessly between avant-garde and classic aesthetics. She’s also become a go-to for luxury campaigns, recently fronting a powerful visual story for Zimmermann and contributing to significant features in Vogue and Vogue Arabia. Malika’s allure is in her ability to be both fiercely modern and rooted in a timeless, natural beauty.
Shahad Salman: Breaking Barriers with Boldness
Saudi Arabian model Shahad Salman is not just walking runways; she’s paving new paths. As one of the most prominent models with vitiligo, Shahad has become a powerful advocate for diverse beauty standards, proving that uniqueness is truly beautiful. Her striking presence and confident demeanor have caught the eye of international designers. She has been incredibly active in challenging conventional beauty norms through campaigns for global brands like Fenty Beauty, where she championed inclusivity, and has been celebrated in features across Vogue and Elle, amplifying her message of self-acceptance and representation. Shahad embodies courage and a refreshing authenticity that resonates deeply.
Amira Al Zuhair: Parisian Elegance Meets Saudi Grace
Saudi-French model Amira Al Zuhair is captivating the industry with her exquisite features and graceful demeanor. A true blend of cultures, Amira brings a sophisticated elegance to every project. She was a notable presence at the recent Paris Fashion Week, walking for revered houses such as Elie Saab and Rami Al Ali, showcasing her affinity for haute couture and luxurious design. Beyond the runway, Amira has been featured in campaigns celebrating modest fashion with a modern twist and has appeared in high-profile editorials for L’Officiel Arabia and Vogue Arabia, cementing her status as a symbol of contemporary Arab beauty in high fashion.
Male Runway & Campaign Pioneers
The North-African and Middle-Eastern representation on global runways and campaigns is not limited to only women. Algerian-French former boxer-turned-model Younes Bendjima has made a significant mark in the fashion world, alongside Egyptian male models, Youssef Sharaf and Mohamed Hassan, who are also making significant strides. During recent fashion weeks, these young men commanded the catwalks of Milan, positioning Egyptian male talent firmly within the global luxury discourse.
Younes Bendjima: The Boxer With Beauty & Brains
Algerian-French model and former boxer Younes Bendjima was scouted in 2011 and made his modeling debut for Givenchy in 2013. He has worked with major luxury houses like Dior, Balmain, Burberry, and Ralph Lauren, and more recently, has branched out into creative endeavors, founding his own creative agency, and collaborating with brands like New Balance to design a sneaker inspired by his Algerian heritage. His recent campaigns include the Spring/Summer 2023 campaign for Farfetch, and a Dior Homme Sport campaign in 2022.
Youssef Sharaf: The Dior-Debuting Runway Star
Youssef Sharaf is an Egyptian model who was not initially seeking a career in fashion but with his striking light brown hair and greenish/grey eyes, he was scouted on Instagram in 2019 by a representative of UNN Models. His industry breakthrough came in December 2022 when he walked the Dior Pre-Fall menswear show at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. Quickly establishing a strong presence on the international fashion scene, primarily based in Europe, Youssef has notably walked for Bottega Veneta’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, Dior Fall/Winter 2023 collection, and has appeared in campaigns for Dior Denim Tears and Zara.
Mohamed Hassan: The High-Fashion Egyptian Trailblazer
Mohamed Hassan is an Egyptian model who has gained significant traction in the high-fashion world and has been featured on the Models.com Hot List and Top 50. Originally from Alexandria, Egypt, and now based in The Netherlands, Mohamed made his runway debut with Virgil Abloh’s Spring/Summer 2022 menswear collection for Louis Vuitton. He has an extensive portfolio, walking for and starring in campaigns for some of the biggest names in the industry including Jacquemus, Zegna, AMI, Dsquared, and Ferragamo. He has also starred in Jacquemus’ “La Croisière” 2025 campaign, which was notably shot in Egypt by Egyptian photographer Mohamed Sherif, and was the star of the 7 For All Mankind S/S 2025 campaign.
The New Narrative: A Collective Force
What these individuals represent is more than just individual success; it’s a collective movement. Their presence on international stages signals a fundamental shift in fashion’s understanding of global beauty and influence. They are dismantling stereotypes, fostering greater inclusivity, and inspiring a new generation to see themselves reflected in the aspirational world of high fashion.
The industry is not just featuring these models; it’s embracing their stories, celebrating their heritage, and recognizing the profound impact they have on shaping a more diverse, authentic, and globally representative vision of beauty. As these incredible talents continue to grace magazine covers, command runways, and front major campaigns, they are not just making a name for themselves – they are etching a new, vibrant chapter into fashion history. The future of fashion, it seems, is beautifully and undeniably diverse.
