The Women Leading the Way Arabian Frontrunner
ARABIAN FRONTRUNNER
HOW ARAB WOMEN ARE REDEFINING CULTURAL BOUNDARIES AND DRIVING CHANGE IN FASHION AND BUSINESS
Luxury fashion is no longer just a symbol of style in the Arab world, it’s become a powerful form of self-expression and a vehicle for women to command attention in both cultural and professional spheres. As Arab women increasingly embrace global luxury brands, they are reshaping not only how fashion is perceived but also how it intertwines with business and leadership. From high-powered executives to emerging entrepreneurs, Arab women are leading a movement that integrates cultural heritage with contemporary luxury, creating new trends and setting the stage for future generations.
Prominent figures like Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar have become global icons for their fashion choices, often seen in haute couture pieces from Valentino and Chanel. Sheikha Moza’s impeccable style has made her a staple of global fashion weeks while also highlighting her role as an advocate for education and social change. Her fashion choices blend traditional elegance with modern flair, making her a role model for Arab women navigating leadership roles.
Similarly, Ghizlan Guenez, founder of the luxury e-commerce platform ‘The Modist’, has championed modest fashion that aligns with luxury tastes. Through her brand, Guenez offers an array of high-end, modest clothing that resonates with Arab women who seek to express their identity through fashion while maintaining cultural values.
Her vision has transformed the way modest fashion is perceived globally, combining luxury with empowerment. She demonstrated that Arab women can lead global fashion startups while staying true to their roots.
Luxury fashion has also carved out a significant space in professional life, where Arab women are using their style as a statement of authority and confidence. With influential entrepreneurs like Rym Amari, founder of ‘Rym Jewelry’, Arab women are translating their love for luxury into successful business ventures. Amari’s brand represents not just luxury but also empowerment, as she turns timeless jewelry pieces into symbols of strength for women across the Arab world.
The demand for luxury fashion is further fueled by the economic growth and social shifts taking place in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Government initiatives aimed at empowering women, such as Saudi Arabia’s ‘Vision 2030’ program, have encouraged women to pursue leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
This shift has given Arab women a new platform to merge their love for fashion with their professional achievements. Saudi designer Hatem Alakeel has remarked on the importance of fashion in professional life, noting that it allows women to express individuality and confidence in their careers, particularly as they break into historically male-dominated fields.
Fashion’s role in Arab women’s rise in business goes beyond the personal—it’s also a key component of the region’s economy. In cities like Dubai and Riyadh, women-led fashion businesses are thriving, with luxury fashion being a significant contributor.
Arab women entrepreneurs have transformed the luxury fashion industry into a profitable business model, often leading ventures that are globally recognized. Their ability to balance tradition with innovation has turned them into key players in the business world, breaking down barriers while staying connected to their cultural identity.
Despite facing challenges such as societal expectations and gender biases, Arab women continue to inspire change through fashion and business. Luxury fashion serves as a tool for these women to push boundaries and assert their place in leadership roles, both within their communities and on the global stage.
Their success is a testament to the power of luxury as a form of empowerment, paving the way for future generations to embrace their heritage while boldly stepping into the future. Ultimately, the rise of Arab women in luxury fashion and business reflects more than just a cultural trend—it signifies a profound shift in how tradition and modernity can coexist.
From the elegance of Sheikha Moza to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ghizlan Guenez, Arab women are proving that luxury fashion is not only a personal choice but also a powerful statement of their leadership, resilience, and vision for the future.
by Ayesha Afrose
