Conde Nast launched the 22nd edition of Vogue in the Middle East. In early March, the first print version of the magazine was released with half-Palestinian Dutch, model Gigi Hadid gracing the cover. While Vogue has launched many regional magazines the launch of Vogue Arabia symbolized something bigger than reaching and connecting to its fashion readers within the Middle East. The launch of Vogue Arabia should not be confused with the awakening of fashion in Arab countries but rather it provides a lens for the world to see the cultured beauty that resonates within the Arab world. The rise of Arab designers and fashion influencers in recent years warranted a tribute to the long history of Vogue magazine. The well known Lebanese designer Elie Saab says in his ‘Love Letter to Vogue Arabia’ Elie Saab says that he believes ‘Vogue Arabia has a great responsibility to match expectations of the Arab woman who appreciates fine things.’

Elie Saab is one of many designers who has fused Arab motifs into Western fashion. Many of his collections are inspired and deeply influenced by his Arab identity. His latest collection [Spring 2017] has the silhouettes of French haute couture with the intrinsic details of the East. His inspiration for the collection was Egypt at the turn of the 20th century seeing it as the golden era of the region. About the era he says that 'people were able to express themselves and their creative talents in theatre, art, journalism, music, and cinema, transforming Egypt into a hub for progress and allowing Arabic culture to flourish,” The staggeringly beautiful collection has diamanté sequencing with pastel, smokey hues over layers of tulle. One specific look is a tribute to the era with palm trees of Domyat city and boats sailing down the Nile.

Also designers, like Karl Lagerfeld, whose 2015 Chanel cruise collection carefully crafted Islamic arabesque into Chanel tweed. His inspiration for prints were Arabian tiles from 11-12th century Spain. Showcasing the collection in Dubai, he noted the importance of not culturally appropriating anything which all comes down to how you exhibit aspects of culture. Presenting the collection in Dubai was an ode to bringing the past to the present and encapsulating the old history in the city's futuristic vibe. Other fashion houses like, Dolce & Gabanna's have an abaya and hijab line catering to their Middle Eastern clients.

Fashion has formulated a dialogue of mutual interests and artistic expression that flourishes in the Middle East and Vogue Arabia is further establishing a platform that encourages and allows this to happen.

|By @hibaxali |
|Photo Credit @vogue|

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