By Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz was named the first Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Arabia last fall and was the perfect choice as a woman from the Arab world who understood the fashion market as well as the cultural influences on style for their readership.
She successfully launched the very first issue with Gigi Hadid on the cover, which was met with an overwhelming response and drew attention to the publication. Now, after launching two issues, she has been replaced with Manuel Arnaut, a long-time Conde Nast writer and editor.
Many have speculated that the reason behind this is that they care more for someone who has experience and knowledge in the Conde Nast way of fashion as opposed to a woman with strong cultural roots in fashion and one that understands the readership.
As for Vogue Arabia, what are you thinking? It’s called Vogue Arabia – not Vogue.
It’s unfortunate that she was only present to launch the first couple issues and pour her hard work into it, tailoring the Vogue for Arab and Muslim women in that region, and yet a man who isn’t familiar with the cultural fashion of women in that region has been crowned the new editor-in-chief.
While Conde Nast has made some good headway in their own brand by promoting diversity in religion, race and nationality, the industry still has a long way to go in learning how to pass the mic when appropriate in order to improve global inclusion.
As for Vogue Arabia, what are you thinking? It’s called Vogue Arabia – not Vogue.
I don’t think her decision to put Gigi Hadid on the cover of Vogue Arabia…..with a hijab was a very good decision, but nevertheless she was good at her job and shouldn’t have been replaced.
To find out she was replaced because she was unwilling to compromise her readers values is really disappointing. At a time where there’s so much focus on catering to your consumers you’d think they’d value her attempt creating a magazine that authentically speaks to its audience. I think she made some great decisions and was looking to seeing more.