August 18, 201212 yr Author Lancomehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrJttMW-i7k&feature=player_embedded
August 18, 201212 yr Author Tunisian model (and face/spokesperson) of Lancôme Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, Paris, July 2012.
August 18, 201212 yr Author RAGMAG RISING STAR HANAA BEN ABDESSLEM BRAINS, BALLS + A BIRD OF PARADISE The first Arab supermodel talks exclusively to RAGMAG about being catapulted into the spotlight and becoming the de facto representative for the modern Arab woman. One of the first things you notice about Hanaa Ben Abdesslem is that she’s got a sort of dichotomy of energies. The two opposing ideas that she gives off are tough to fully pin down. What I mean by this is that when you watch videos of her and note her overall demeanour, she seems flirty and light, like some exotic bird of paradise ready to flit from palm frond to palm frond. Then, when you look into her eyes, she seems downright intimidating with a stare that conveys both depth and a whiplash dose of determination, and this is certainly not in line with her pretty plumage. The newest face of Lancôme has been surrounded by a flurry of global press and it’s not your ordinary “X is the new spokesperson” type of stuff either. It’s the kind that makes you wonder about the fairness of it all and how you, or anyone else out there, can be thrust into the role of cultural and religious ambassador, no matter how reluctant you are to be one. Nearly every article about the fresh-faced newcomer in the Western press makes note of the fact that she is of Tunisian origin, Arab and Muslim. Not only are they stressing all three facts, they are using Hanaa as the poster child and positive emissary for both a culture and a religion that isn’t receiving great press of late. Hanaa, thankfully, is not reluctant to represent her people, saying that being considered the face of the modern Arab woman is “a very privileged role and with it comes a big responsibility. I hope to lead the way for those who wish to pursue the same career path and be their role model.” Is it hard being upfront about practicing Islam, after all, a great deal of international celebrities get flack for it? “I am proud of my origins and my beliefs. Those who meet me will associate it with positive connotations.” Does she believe she’s a good representative for Arab women in the West? “I hope so! My career choice was a challenge and still is.” One article went so far as to say that Hanaa doesn’t drink, associating this with her religious devotion. In response to this, Hanaa clarifies: “I believe life is all about balance. I don’t drink or smoke, it’s very bad for the health before anything!” Modelling is notoriously linked to the use of illicit substances, so has she done drugs? “I have never done drugs and the rampant drug problem everywhere in the world is troubling. It reflects a social and mental discomfort in an individual who believes drugs is the solution and I think they need help,” she says firmly. Her agent, Sophie Galal, says that she “met Hanaa for the first time in the summer of 2009 and within 10 minutes of talking with her, I already saw her as an international star.” But what made Sophie decide to represent Hanaa since her business, Rahy Consultancy, is focused on the cultural economics of the MENA region, a world away from the fashion industry? Sophie explains: “I asked her what were her dreams and aspirations. Hanaa replied, ‘featuring in Vogue and walking the catwalk for Chanel’. I could see very clearly she had the burning ambition and I had the know-how, the perfect combination!” Indeed it was, shortly after signing with Galal, Hanaa soon found herself walking some of the world’s most sought-after runways like Hermes, Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel and finally being lauded as the “darling” of Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci no less. In one month she also walked for fashion stars Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui and the revered Oscar de la Renta. Hanaa says that Sophie “influences me in many positive ways. She believes in me and gives me moral support through every step, always motivating me to go even further. I trust her advice and directives and having a good manager is very important to develop one’s career in the modelling industry.” Hanaa is passionate about a few things during the interview, one of which is fashion. Having modelled for most of the major couture houses and premiered with Vivienne Westwood, she is excited to continue her upward climb. “I was lucky to have modelled for all my favourite designers except for Hedi Slimane, which I hope will be very soon. [He is] the new designer for YSL and he is of Tunisian origin.” Hedi, who many have credited with revolutionizing clean lines and the ergonomics of fashion, is noted for his precision and art-eye handling of fabrics. On the subject of haute couture and big names, Hanna’s patriotism shines again as she adds, “I don’t have one favourite designer but many [sic]. However I have to admit I have a soft spot for Azzedine Alaïa.” The Tunisian- born designer is one of the biggest names in fashion and continues to develop collections that dot the best-dressed lists worldwide. Hanaa’s landmark features in several Vogue editions are perhaps one of the clearest indicators of her global influence. “It was a dream come true. My first Vogue feature will always be the most memorable and I am very grateful to Carine Roitfeld, previous Editor in Chief of French Vogue, for giving me the opportunity,” says Hanaa. We caught up with Hanaa prior to a whirlwind month of scheduled travelling. The supermodel is currently “based between New York, Paris and London. Every two months or whenever I can, I take a few days to come back to Tunisia and visit with my family.” She labels her family “moderately traditional” Muslims and adds that “they don’t always understand the fashion or modelling world but they give me their full support.” Where does she stand on the hijab and does she see herself wearing it one day? “My mother wears the hijab and I cannot predict the future. Today I don’t wear the hijab but I think it’s obvious!” Since the French press is constantly expressing anti- Muslim sentiment, I can’t help but ask her opinion of this being since Ben Abdesslem is a frequent face on the Parisian Fashion scene. Hanaa is politically correct here and toes the line only saying that “Anything ‘anti’ doesn’t reflect well. Open-mindedness and respect is vital in societies.” What does she think of the Western press making such a huge issue of being the first Muslim face of Lancôme? “I have also wondered about this type of reaction knowing very well that Lancôme wanted me to be part of the Lancôme family and offered me to be the face of Lancôme because their philosophy of beauty corresponds to my looks and personality. The interesting part is that they wanted me to represent Lancôme worldwide which I have heard is unusual for a model. It is truer for actresses but not models. There is so much competition that I believe it created a reaction of ‘Why her?’ The only element that the Western press believed differentiated me from other models was my religion. It a false notion and I have never heard or read in the press the religions of the [other] top models. Another influence is the Western interpretation of my religion versus my profession but there are several top models who share my religion. So religion, any faith, does not determine your success or talents.” Why does she think she was chosen by the esteemed French cosmetic and fragrance house? “I think it is because they identified in me the shared philosophy of beauty and elegance. I feel Lancôme reflects whom I am and how beauty is perceived.” I point out here that her “French elegance” has been mentioned by more than one publication and ask why it isn’t attributed to her Arab background. She fields this well and jokes, “When there is a newborn baby in the family, each of the family members from either parents claim the baby looks like their side of the family. Maybe this is the same!” Which Arab women best represent us to the West? “I can speak for the Arab Tunisian women in the fashion industry [who] I admire and respect their accomplishments: Leïla Menchari, Hermes Window designer. She received the Golden Dido Award for her contribution to Tunisian culture and influences in world. Afef Jnifen who fought for Arab women’s freedom of choice and continues to defend their rights.” Jnifen, recently featured in W Magazine under the title of “Lady Liberty”, is also a former Tunisian model who has strutted her stuff for the likes of Fendi and Cavalli, and has a reputation for speaking her mind and not at all delicately. At this juncture I ask her if she feels that Arab women are free to express their sexuality and she responds slightly cryptically: “One can express his or her beliefs without provocation. I believe Arab women can express anything they believe to be right or true.” She chooses not to answer the questions I pose about premarital sex, but does say she isn’t in a relationship at present, devoting time instead to her “career, charity work and spending time with my family.” She’s a volunteer for the NGO “Esmaani” and also acts as their spokesperson. Hanaa’s smarts were also of the bookish sort: she was studying civil engineering but “stopped my studies to completely focus on modelling. Modelling cannot be a hobby and needs to be taken seriously if one wants it to take you seriously. My calling is modelling and fashion and I would like to pursue it in that direction.” Ben Abdesslem is championed by Galal who was “raised between the U.S., Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Growing up, I was exposed to several educational systems but ended up at the King Saud University for Girls in Riyadh for my undergrad.” Galal is currently finishing her EMBA at the Mediterranean School of Business and is “already thinking of the next educational program I would like to venture into. It is a constant thirst to improve and evolve. My two passions [are] women’s empowerment and environmental solutions. I am currently creating two ambitious projects in those directions and hope to accomplish them in the next two years.” Hanaa Ben Abdesslem’s career has just begun to take flight and with Sophie Galal’s business acumen behind her, we can only expect to see more of the star. There is nowhere to go but up, treetops exotic or concrete, included.
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