There was once a time when Arab models on the runway was a rare sight but that is no longer the case as the fashion industry has made major strides towards embracing inclusivity in recent years, resulting in a diverse spectrum of models hitting the catwalk. Some of the most famous faces in the industry today have Arab roots, including arguably the top supermodels in the world, Gigi and Bella Hadid, who are part-Palestinian from their paternal side.
There’s also French-Algerian model-of-the-moment, Loli Bahia, who is in the midst of a whirlwind career, working with brands that most models can only dream of, including fronting campaigns for Chanel and Saint Laurent and walking runways for Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi. Meanwhile, part-Moroccan models Imaan Hammam, Malika El-Maslouhi, and Nora Attal hardly require an introduction— we practically lost count of how many shows they opened and closed, and magazine covers and campaigns they lent their faces to.
And now, their male counterparts are also making waves in the fashion industry. Algerian Takfarines Bengana has quickly become a fashion force to be reckoned with, and was recently nominated for Men’s model of the year at the annual Model of The Year Awards in 2022. Also a rising staple on the fashion runways, Paris-based Moroccan model Nizar Talal has walked for top brands like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Fendi, Jacquemus, and Dior.
Here, the 14 rising Arab models to keep an eye on for 2023.
Hedi Bentekaya
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Background: Tunisian and French
Worked with: Fendi, Louis Vuitton, DSQUARED
Takfarines Bengana
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Background: Algerian and French
Worked with: Louis Vuitton, Etro, Sacai, Dries Van Noten, Prada, Hermes, Lanvin, and more
Kenza Safsaf
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Background: Tunisian and French
Worked with: Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, Ester Manas
Shahed Elnakhlawy
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Background: Jordanian, Palestinian, and Egyptian
Worked with: Messika Jewelry, Louis Vuitton, Lancel Paris, YSL Beauty
Karim Safi
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Background: Palestinian
Worked with: Louis Vuitton, Rhude, Saint Laurent, Moncler, Valentino, Dion Lee
Loli Bahia
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Background: Algerian and French
Worked with: Chanel, Prada, Burberry, Fendi, Saint Laurent, Jacquemus, Coperni, Valentino, Versace, and more
Mohamed Hassan
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Background: Egyptian
Worked with: Louis Vuitton, Casablanca, Dior, Zegna, Jacquemus, Saint Laurent, Rimowa, and more
Asma Alturk
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Background: Saudi
Worked with: American Eagle, Lama Jouni, Aram Designs, Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, Vogue Arabia
Aouatif Saadi
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Background: Moroccan
Worked with: Gucci x Adidas Originals, Marni, GQ France, Wonderland
Qaher Harhash
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Background: Palestinian
Worked with: Jean Paul Gaultier, Feng Chen Wang, Gant, Vogue Ukraine, GQ Italia
Nizar Talal
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Background: Moroccan
Worked with: Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Fendi, Jacquemus, Dior, GmbH
Leyla Greiss
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Background: Egyptian
Worked with: Balenciaga, Christopher Kane, Lemaire, Emilia Wickstead, Charlotte Knowles London
Ahmad Kontar
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Background: Syrian
Worked with: Hugo Boss, GmbH, Ami Paris
Walid Fiher
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Background: Moroccan
Worked with: Hermes, Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, Jacquemus, Valentino, Etro
