Editor’s Letter: On Celebrating Women of All Ages, and Balancing the Present and Future of Fashion

I recently posted a quote on my Instagram that received great engagement, on a topic I often think about: “You are not too old, and it’s not too late.” This might sound politically incorrect, but after turning 40, I’ve become more aware of what it means to mature, and I don’t always like what I read or hear. Working in fashion, an industry with a natural appetite for novelty, means we are part of a system where models, designers, and even editors have a shelf life – with some rare exceptions, of course. And I’m not talking only about physical appearance, but also about being considered current and cool. I believe we should nurture and foster youth, giving space to new faces and learning from their different skills. However, at the same time, we shouldn’t discard anyone based on their date of birth. This is also proudly reflected in Vogue Arabia, where we try, as much as we can, to include women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds. I remember Sharon Stone once told us in an interview, “I feel like women become invisible once we become moms and you’re 45 and people walk by you like you’re not there.” Now is the time to amend this.

Najwa Karam wears dress, Rami Kadi; gloves, Georges Chakra on the cover of Vogue Arabia’s December 2024 issue. Photo: Mazen Abusrour

Experiencing a career peak at 58, Najwa Karam defied any age conventions. Although she began singing at a very young age, she now sounds and looks better than ever, becoming a serious risk-taker in fashion. A couple of years ago we started to witness Karam’s style transformation, with the singer becoming more and more daring, sporting labels such as Iris van Herpen and Rami Kadi. This month’s cover story is a continuation of this metamorphosis. “When I look at old pictures and compare them to today’s, I love myself even more now,” says the Lebanese diva, confirming what we already know by just scrolling her Instagram feed.

This month, there are two other fashion features I want to highlight that also balance present and future. Following a spectacular runway show in Saudi Arabia celebrating 1001 seasons, we honor the legacy of Elie Saab. As the brand turns 45 years old, Saab shared some of his fondest and most personal memories with us.

Looking further, we continue our mission to support emerging Arab talents with a portfolio of the latest designs by Saudi creatives. Investing in regional brands and Arab designers is something I fully advocate. The level of talent in the region is unmatchable, and there’s such an incredible variety of styles and brands – from red carpet to modest, ready-to-wear to leisure… Maybe this festive season can be a fantastic opportunity to put this idea into practice, and gift and dress outside the box.

Originally published in the December 2024 issue of Vogue Arabia