What Ramadan Means to the Region’s New Generation of It Girls

Ahead of Ramadan, the new generation of It girls — Amy Roko, Junaynah and Zeyanah El Guthmy, and Oumayma Elboumeshouli — celebrate and discuss what the Holy Month means to them.

Amy RokoSaudi Arabia
Abaya, top, pants, niqab, Mrs Keepa. Photographed by Sam Rawadi for Vogue Arabia April 2021
“Ramadan is the month where I find myself again. The whole month just feels like a blanket covering all of us with warmth. Every time it passes by, I feel like I grew a year because that’s when I learn something new about my life. I can’t wait for this Ramadan to teach me about myself even more.”
Junaynah and Zeyanah El GuthmyYemeni-Kenyan
Zeyyana wears abaya jumpsuit, Mrs Keepa; pants, Semsem; shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti. Junaynah wears blazer, Mrs Keepa; pants, Semsem; shoes, Asos. Photographed by Sam Rawadi for Vogue Arabia April 2021
“Beyond being sisters, we’re creatives who coexist in a unique rhythm of contributing to each other’s creative evolution while still maintaining separate identities. Some of our favorite and more dominant expressive mediums are photography, videography, and fashion. Ramadan for us is a particularly special time of year. We grew up in a household that holds religion and Ramadan in high regard but aside from its religious significance, it is a time when we double down on self-reflection and accountability. We live together but often spend the days in our own little bubbles, then come together at night to trade stories, inspirations, or ideas.”
Oumayma ElboumeshouliMorocco
Jacket, pants, Loewe; shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti. Photographed by Sam Rawadi for Vogue Arabia April 2021
“Ramadan is the time for me to get together with loved ones. Of course, with today’s circumstances, it’s not that easy, but I try to keep in touch with the people I love as much as possible through technology. It is fantastic how we can all keep in touch with each other. Ramadan is for me also about forgiving people and moving forward. It’s like a fresh new start.”
Taim AlFalasiUAE
Abaya, 1309; T-shirt, leggings, Skims; shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti. Photographed by Sam Rawadi for Vogue Arabia April 2021
“Though Ramadan is a single month, it is the closest to our hearts. Conditions, hearts, even feelings change in Ramadan. Most notably, family gatherings. Despite the difficult circumstances we went through, Ramadan is still distinguished whatsoever, bringing us closer to one another, no matter where we are.”
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Originally published in the April 2021 issue of Vogue Arabia
Photography: Sam RawadiStyle: Amine Jreissati