june 2022

Dress, Atelier Zuhara; earrings, ring, Ana Khouri. Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
Supermodel Shanina Shaik is a force to be reckoned with. The 31-year-old model, who is of Saudi Arabian, Australian, Lithuanian, and Pakistani descent, just announced her pregnancy to her 2.8 million followers on Instagram and she couldn’t be happier. There’s a lot she’s looking forward to — a new baby and a personal product line expected on shelves next year. One look at her Instagram profile, and one imagines how idyllic herlife is — poolside weekends, sandy beaches, and lots of travel. But the reality is that her journey is not without its hurdles.
Shaik for Victoria’s Secret. Photo: Getty
Raised in Australia, Shaik describes her youth as somewhat tumultuous. “I had a difficult time in school dealing with bullying, but overall, I loved my childhood. I loved the weather, playing sports outside, the food, and much more.” She credits her mother with being her biggest cheerleader during tough times and admits her journey would have been different without her support. Although Shaik’s been modeling since she was eight years old, it wasn’t until she finished as a runner-up in the Australian reality show Make Me a Supermodel in 2008 that doors started opening for her. At 17, she moved to New York, where she felt she would be more accepted as a model.
Shanina Shaik, sat on her grandfather’s lap, with her family in Singapore
Due to what would have been considered unconventional looks at the time — wide, high cheekbones that create an almost feline appearance, olive skin, and a hard-to-pinpoint heritage outside the usual white, blonde-haired, and blue-eyed models — breaking into a world that is often criticized for its lack of representation was no easy feat. “I have a diverse ethnic background — it wasn’t accepted or recognized in the modeling industry, which still had to make a lot of changes and celebrate diversity. I was part of a slow movement that has come a long way today.” But Shaik didn’t let racism break her spirit — if anything, it made her more resilient. “Luckily, I received a modeling contract with a New York agency after being scouted on the model search reality show — that’s when my career kick-started, and I felt accepted. No one should ever deal with racism in their work environment.” Since then, there’s been no stopping her. In 2011, she was cast in the Victoria’s Secret show, where she walked with other supermodels like Joan Smalls and Chanel Iman, and later walked the runway for some of the biggest names including Jason Wu, Tom Ford, and Chanel. “Walking in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show has been the highlight of my career as has working with top renowned fashion designers and photographers. As a little girl, it would have been surreal if you told me this would be my future.”
Shanina Shaik’s Pakistani grandfather and Saudi Arabian grandmother on their wedding day
Despite her multicultural upbringing, Shaik resonates most with her Middle Eastern culture and Saudi roots. “My grandmother was from Saudi Arabia. I’ve seen pictures of her, and I resemble her in so many ways,” she says. The model visited the Kingdom last year to mark the opening of the Red Sea International Film Festival. “It was an extremely special trip to travel to Saudi Arabia. I wanted to see my family’s culture and understand my heritage. Additionally, it was an important historical event to be a part of and witness the international film festival.” She was seen on the red carpet in a dazzling sequined gown by Lebanese-American designer Eli Mizrahi of Monôt, one of her favorite Middle Eastern labels.
Top, dress, shorts, boots, Simone Rocha; pearl earrings, Ana Khouri. Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
For her personal style, Shaik gravitates to high-low fashion. “I like to find cute vintage pieces and incorporate them into my daily dressing.” Her aesthetic features cool, oversized looks — a silhouette she gravitates towards with vintage tees being her favorite find now. “My everyday look consists of t-shirts, baggy jeans, or suited pants, with a blazer and boots. I also like Eterne, vintage Chrome Hearts, and IRO for daily dressing.” For the red carpet, she prefers figure-hugging looks and works with her stylist to pick the perfect outfit. During her pregnancy though, comfort is key. “My bump has been growing rapidly,” she exclaims. “I want to have fun moments showing my bump during the summer season, and I’m not afraid to wear heels either.”
Dress, Prada. Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
Physical and mental wellbeing is important to her, and Shaik switched up her self-care routine to suit the pregnancy. She’s steering clear of any retinols, fragrances, and benzoyl peroxide and wearing sunscreen to avoid pigmentation — “I can’t live without my Liberty Belle SPF 50+ Superstar sunscreen. It’s a staple product in my skincare bag.” Some of her favorite skincare brands include Biologique Recherche, KORA, 111 Skin, and Rodial. For body care, she applies Belly Oil by Hatch, Trilastin’s Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream, and Vitamin E oil. When it comes to exercise, Pilates has been her go-to as she loves the results. “Currently, I only do prenatal Pilates classes. I work with my favorite trained Pilates coaches to guide me in a safe workout.”
Dress, coat, Maison Margiela; gloves, Handsome Stockholm; earrings, Ana Khouri. Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
As Shaik’s body changes during her pregnancy, she’s in no hurry to bounce back into shape right after birth. “It’s a shame that society and pop culture have placed pressure on women to ‘bounce back.’ It causes stress and unnecessary worry that could lead to mental health issues. More importantly, your body needs to heal.” Instead, she’s amazed to see how her body is changing to bring life into this world. “Your body is doing what it needs to do to create a healthy space for your baby. It’s important to listen to it during this time.” In the age of diet culture, it’s refreshing to see her spread a positive message, especially for the next generation.
Dress, Sportmax; earrings, rings, Anabela Chan; shoes, Christian Louboutin. Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
When asked if she has considered a specific parenting style she wants to follow, the model answers, “I don’t believe there is a ‘textbook’ way to be a parent. I haven’t met my child yet, I don’t know its personality. I know I will give my baby unconditional love, safety, support, and guidance.” An animal lover at heart, Shaik will pass on some valuable life lessons to her child, especially when it comes to standing up for what’s right. “I feel like it’s our rightful duty to care and be a voice for animals,” she adds. “Humans make inconsiderate choices that cause irreversible changes to ecosystems and living creatures. Our future and our children’s futures look scary.”
Dress, gloves, necklace, Saint Laurent. Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
While taking on the role of a mother is one she’s most looking forward to, she also has a few words of wisdom for the next generation of upcoming models — especially those of color. “Always believe in yourself and make sure your voice is being heard. Protect your mental health and surround yourself with a team who love, support, and want the best for you.”
Originally published in the June 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia
Style: Danyul BrownFashion director: Amine JreissatiHair: Miles JeffriesMakeup: Michael AnthonyDigital tech: Meredith MunnLighting: Maya Sacks, Sandy RivasSet designer: Lucy HoltSet assistants: Scott Morris, Aryn MorrisStyle assistants: Molly Mundy, Adam ChiaProducer: Alexey Galetskiy
Read Next: Mom-to-Be Style: Shanina Shaik’s Best Maternity Looks to Date

Yara Alhogbani for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Sam Rawadi
Saudi Arabia’s vision for art, sport, and fashion are celebrated in Vogue Arabia’s annual issue dedicated to the Kingdom. Wearing a made-to-measure Tima Abid couture dress featuring Saudi’s emblem in gold embroidery, Yara Alhogbani personifies the country’s leaps in sports. The first professional tennis player from Saudi states, “I want to dedicate my time and knowledge to helping any Saudi girl with a racket and a dream.” Representing the country for fashion, supermodel Shanina Shaik, who is of Saudi heritage, poses cradling her baby bump and shares her excitement at becoming a mother for the first time along with her pride for her Middle Eastern origins. Songstress Dalia Mubarak also poses on a cover; the Saudi diva has performed alongside iconic artists such as Rashed Al-Majed, Rabeh Sager, and Majid Al Muhandis.
Dalia Mubarak for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Sam Rawadi
“I’m proud to say that our publication was the first international title to really focus on the Kingdom, long before Saudi ‘opened up,’” says editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut. “Before Saudi became a market that everyone wanted to be in—generally motivated by commercial benefits.
At Vogue Arabia, our motivation has always been the culture, the people, and their stories—covering the new generation, but also the iconic names that paved the way for the new creatives. From Tamtam to Abadi Al-Johar, from Lulwah Al Homoud, to Safeya Binzagr, the list goes on and on.”
Shanina Shaik for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
The issue includes a special invitation inside the most spectacular royal wedding of the year. HH Sheikha Meera bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikh Zayed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan married this May, with the images of the stunning ephemeral venue, orchestrated by Designlab Experience, featured exclusively in the magazine. “This was not your usual brief. It was unprecedented for us to be inspired by poetry, or by the love of two grandparents, for example, to be able to connect with these things that are so important to the bride. From meeting her, to getting to where we are today, it was a beautiful journey,” says co-founder Hibah Albakree.
Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Sebastian Böttcher
Saudi women in arts such as Zahrah Al Ghamdi and Sarah Brahim are celebrated in this dedicated issue. Of the rise in international attention, revered Saudi art patron Basma Al Sulaiman offers, “It was very important for me to preserve the story of Saudi art for the new generation as a concrete archive of where we were and where we are today. I knew a day would come when everyone would look at this with a fresh eye.”
Yara Alhogbani for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Sam Rawadi
The biggest international Academy award-winning stars offer Vogue Arabia exclusive interviews for this issue. Humanitarian, actress, and director Angelina Jolie speaks of her new initiative with Guerlain to share bee-keeping skills with women in Cambodia, her eldest son’s birthplace. “We focused on training women, because we know women train others,” explains Jolie of the female-focused initiative. “Women in many places are very vulnerable, and so to be able to have an education, and a job, and a network is really important for them.”
Dalia Mubarak for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Sam Rawadi
Ahead of her upcoming fall film opposite George Clooney, actress Julia Roberts took on the role of “godmother” of the Chopard Trophy this May, celebrating emerging actors. She speaks exclusively to Vogue Arabia of her love of high jewelry, and the power of vulnerability, revealing that even with a career spanning more than 30 years, she nevertheless gets nervous ahead of red carpet events. “That excitement is still so terrifying but thrilling. I don’t think you should be blasé on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival,” she declares.
Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Hayat Osamah
New fashion and fine jewelry designers are celebrated with two features highlighting those who are creating contemporary designs rooted in their country’s heritage. Among a dozen of such designers profiled, explore the pieces of Jwaher Jewels, Yataghan Jewellery, and Hindamme, named in references to the Arabic term meaning, “To possess perfect form in harmony in aesthetics.”
Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Adamski
Such beauty is explored in a photographic feature shot in the province of Asir. Green mountains, colorful houses, and men adorned with flower crowns on their heads welcome authentic fashions, and genuine bliss experienced through camaraderie and hospitality so particular to Saudi.
Shanina Shaik for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Greg Swales
Taking readers into the heart of the Kingdom, Dr Sami Angawi and his wife Amira open the doors to their sprawling home, Al Makkiyah, one of Jeddah’s proud symbols of cultural heritage. Al Makkiyah refers to Mecca. “That’s my origin, that’s my life,” says the founder and CEO of Amar for Architectural Heritage. “I was born in Mecca, where my family is originally from, and we are honored to be descendants of the Prophet’s family. When I decided to do something in Jeddah, I wanted to build a home that identifies and represents Mecca and Medina.” 
All this and more in the June 2022 issue of Vogue Arabia. 
Read Next: Editor’s Letter: How Our Saudi Issue Honors the Women Pushing the Kingdom Forward

Yara Alhogbani for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Sam Rawadi
A Vogue Arabia tradition, every June, we release our annual Saudi Issue. I’m proud to say that our publication is the first international title to really focus on the Kingdom, long before Saudi “opened up,” and before Saudi became a market that everyone wants to be in — generally motivated by commercial benefits. At Vogue Arabia, our inspiration has always been the culture, the people, and their stories — covering the new generation, but also the iconic names that paved the way for the upcoming creatives. From Tamtam to Abadi Aljohar, from Lulwah Al Homoud, to Safeya Binzagr, the list goes on and on.
We have also accomplished many daring “firsts” that I’m proud of: we were the first magazine to bring a supermodel to Saudi Arabia, and we produced the first ever editorial shoot in the unbraved lands of NEOM. And our iconic cover from June 2018 featuring HRH Princess Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud driving a red convertible? It was truly epic.
Yara Alhogbani for Vogue Arabia, June 2022. Photo: Sam Rawadi
As Saudi looks ahead, so do we, this time with a triptych of covers that pay homage to women accomplishing amazing things, pushing the country forward. Wanting to inspire “every girl with a dream and a racket,” Yara Alhogbani is the new sports sensation in the Kingdom, and the first professional Saudi tennis player competing in big international competitions. In the opening portrait, she is wearing a beautiful couture dress by Jeddah-based designer Tima Abid, hand-embroidered to feature the country’s emblem.
One of the most successful Middle Eastern descendent models of all time, mama-to-be Shanina Shaik graces our Arabic cover. Inside the magazine, she speaks about her Saudi heritage, and the racism she faced in the modeling industry. From the runway to the stage, our third star is celebrated for having one of the most distinctive new voices in the Kingdom. Dalia Mubarak, who continues to redefine herself, bravely shares, “I think that my life and personality do not resemble the stereotypical image of Arab women in general, and the Gulf in particular; but I am very proud of my Arab-Saudi background, and hope to represent Arab women in a different and beautiful way.”
While we focus on people, in this issue we also bring attention to the stunning and rich landscapes of Saudi. Many years ago, I had the privilege of traveling with HRH Princess Reema bin Bandar Al Saud to the province of Asir, and I fell completely in love with its green mountains, colorful houses, and the tradition for men to wear flower crowns on their heads — and yes, I was scared of all the naughty monkeys you see running around. Since then, I’ve always wanted to produce a photoshoot in this magical location, so rich in colors and human warmth. If you are ready to be transported to a Saudi you never thought existed, turn the page and join us on this voyage.
Read Next: Watch: 5 Saudi Residents Share a Peek at Life Within the Kingdom in a Series of Personal Videos