How Samer Khouzami Built a Beauty Empire Out of Contour
'A face carries a lifetime of stories; heritage, emotion, personality,' he said. 'My role is to reveal the most captivating version of that story.' Sometimes that means restraint; other times, a full transformation. But the intent, always, is respect.
What's changed in Arab beauty over the past decade? Perfection has given way to individuality. Where once the goal was a flawless, near-uniform 'ideal' look, the conversation now is about authenticity – skin tones, textures, features, identities. Khouzami has both witnessed and propelled that shift. 'Today, Arab beauty embraces diversity,' he said. 'And that has made our representation more authentic and powerful.'
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Vogue Arabia
11 hours ago
- Vogue Arabia
How Samer Khouzami Built a Beauty Empire Out of Contour
Khouzami's artistry has often been described as 'architectural,' a word he doesn't shy away from. His shorthand for his aesthetic: sculpted, luminous, timeless. But the scaffolding behind those words is a precise method of layering and light play that makes the sculpting look soft, skin-like, modern. The traditional hallmarks of Arab beauty – deeply defined eyes, contoured planes, glowing skin – remain intact, but updated for a new audience. The effect is less mask, more magnification. 'A face carries a lifetime of stories; heritage, emotion, personality,' he said. 'My role is to reveal the most captivating version of that story.' Sometimes that means restraint; other times, a full transformation. But the intent, always, is respect. What's changed in Arab beauty over the past decade? Perfection has given way to individuality. Where once the goal was a flawless, near-uniform 'ideal' look, the conversation now is about authenticity – skin tones, textures, features, identities. Khouzami has both witnessed and propelled that shift. 'Today, Arab beauty embraces diversity,' he said. 'And that has made our representation more authentic and powerful.'
Vogue Arabia
11 hours ago
- Vogue Arabia
What's Inside The Bags of Arab It-Girls Who Master The Art of Summer?
The boarding pass is booked, the group chat is unhinged, and the playlist's been ready since May. Packing? That's the sacred part. The suitcase isn't just clothes and moisturisers — it's a whole summer moodboard: SPF with stories, sunglasses that mean business and a lip shimmer for every night. Summer doesn't ask for subtlety. It wants glow. A bit of drama. The right scent trailing behind you through a market in Tangier or a terrace in Paros. These girls know the assignment — and revise it constantly. Packing isn't about paring back; it's about making space. For statements. For rituals. For the pieces that say you before you even say hello. We asked a few of our favourite faces what's inside their travel bags — the beauty they swear by, the outfits they build dreams around, the playlists that hit just right, and the tiny comforts that keep them grounded at 30,000 feet. What emerged is a season told in creams, colours, customs, and chords. Scroll through. Screenshot liberally. Summer's calling — and these girls are already jet-setting. Romy Nassar Dreams her outfits. Prays with a rosary. Smells like Cuir Beluga. Essentials 'I'm minimalist when it comes to beauty — I like my face to breathe and my vibe to speak louder.' Romy swears by Guerlain's Cuir Beluga, her signature scent 'no matter the weather.' Hair gets a post-beach reset with a 100% organic Lebanese serum — 'It's therapy for my strands after a long, hot day.' Her hero product? Weleda Skin Food. 'I use it everywhere — face and body. It gives this dewy, gleamy texture that feels healthy and effortless.' When she does wear makeup, it's simple: brow gel, thick Arabic kohl 'for that natural, smudgy, mysterious effect,' and lip contour with a shimmer 'because I want to look like I've just kissed the sun.' Always Packed Ray-Bans 'that I steal from my sister — they hide my stare so I can people-watch in peace.' She packs for mood, not minimalism: 'I dream my outfits. I never repeat looks on a trip.' Still, she's loyal to her chunky black MCQ sneakers, Oysho sweats ('they make the booty look great'), baggy jeans, and a giant tote. And the must-have? 'My vintage costume jewellery. My carry-on always gets flagged because it's full of statement pieces.' On Repeat 'Demis Roussos, Trio Mocotó, Tame Impala, Abdel Halim... and Natacha Atlas is my everything. I can never tell if she's heartbroken or ascending — which is very me.' In Her Bag A rosary. A tiny leather notebook. Tarot cards. A photo of her parents. 'I write to feel one with the place. I become part of the ground, the walls, the energy.' Next Stop Brazil. 'It's a place that lived in my heart before I ever visited. The rhythm, the colour, the open arms of Christ the Redeemer — it feels like forgiveness. Like Beirut, it's been through fire, but it still dances.' Shop Romy Nasser's must-haves below Guerlain Cuir Béluga Eau de Parfum AED1,490 Weleda Skin Food, Original Ultra-Rich Cream AED52 Alexander McQueen Oversized Leather Sneakers AED2,345 Nour Rizk Tan queen. Owns multiple cowboy hats. Meditates daily. Essentials 'My goal every summer is to get as tan as possible — so after-sun care is key.' Nour keeps it simple: a rich face moisturiser, after-sun lotion for the body, and her Laneige Lip Mask . 'It's the one thing I always keep on me, even at the beach.' Always Packed Jean shorts and crochet beach dresses are her staples. 'Easy, breezy, and I don't overthink it.' But her signature? 'Cowboy hats — I pack multiple. They go with everything and they turn every look into a look. ' On Repeat ' Love Generation by Bob Sinclar. That song has so many memories attached to it — I press play and I'm instantly in the summer mood.' In Her Bag Her Hawaiian wood-and-pearl mala necklace. 'I wear it every day — it grounds me.' She also never skips her daily rituals: 'I meditate and call my family no matter where I am in the world. That's non-negotiable.' Next Stop Argentina. 'My brother plays polo and I love riding — Argentina is the centre of that world. The landscapes, the horses, the feeling… it's something I've always dreamed of.' Shop Nour Rizk's must-haves below Laneige Shouq Mohammed Miu Miu girl. Skirt loyalist. Brings her own blanket. Essentials Huda Beauty lip stain. Dior's Lucky perfume. Tanning oil and SPF, always. 'What is summer without a tan — but a safe tan, please.' Always Packed Skirts. 'They're my go-to. You can wear them to the beach, to lunch, to dinner — it's all in how you style them.' And of course: 'My Miu Miu bags. I don't go anywhere without them. Always plural.' On Repeat 'Addison Rae's new album. I know! But it's a forever summer vibe.' In Her Bag A journal, a water bottle, and — yes — a blanket. 'It's my comfort object. It makes hotel rooms feel like home.' Next Stop Mallorca or Seville. 'I want somewhere with soft nature, warm colours, quiet beauty. That feels right for my soul right now.' Shop Shouq Mohammed's must-haves below Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain AED116 Dior Yasmine Sima Glowing. Glossed. Probably dancing. Essentials'The Makeup Forever HD Blush Palette is my secret to that natural, sun-flushed glow.' She pairs it with Saie's lip oil and Parfums de Marly Oriana — 'It's so soft and sweet and girly. I'm obsessed.' Always Packed A well-curated jewellery stack — plus her current favourite: 'Custom diamond earrings from Basliq. He's so talented. I haven't taken them off.' On Repeat ' Prospa. I'm having a house music moment right now. It's giving main character energy.' In Her Bag Stacks of jewellery, glosses, and highlighters — all in travel pouches, of course. 'I love having my beauty setup wherever I go.' Next Stop Croatia or Iceland. 'I've done the typical spots. I'm ready for something different. Something that surprises me.' Shop Yasmine Sima's must-haves below Makeup Forever HD Skin Blush & Glow Palette AED299 Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil AED95 Parfums de Marly
Vogue Arabia
5 days ago
- Vogue Arabia
How Instagram Previews Are Killing the Movie Buzz—The Devil Wears Prada 2, We're Looking at You
The first time I watched The Devil Wears Prada in 2008, I remember scribbling cerulean blue in my diary and forcefully using it in a conversation the next day – context? There was absolutely none. When Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, walks into the room after her makeover – wearing the Chanel boots from its Autumn 2005 collection – leaving both Emily Blunt and Gisele Bündchen's characters gobsmacked, stuttering, 'Are you wearing the Chanel boots?' became the ultimate dream fashion ammunition in my arsenal for when I entered my villain era. Mind you, I was still 14 and had zero feuds with anyone that required a couture comeback. The point being, this movie that I stumbled upon as a teenager (without having watched its trailer) became my introduction to the world of fashion and publications – ultimately, it played a small subconscious role in the career I picked. Yes, I am a fashion journalist who has worked across many titles in two countries – and yes, the movies from the late '90s and early 2000s were my guidance counsellor. While the rumours of a sequel have been doing the rounds since the first film came out in 2006 – especially in 2014, when the book Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns dropped – the follow-up couldn't evoke the same fanfare the first instalment did, and the second movie rumours swirled only for a bit. This was until July 2024, when Deadline officially reported a sequel was in the works at Walt Disney Studios and the original screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna, was back in the saddle for round two. Since then, most of the original cast has reprised their iconic roles with a few new additions – except Nate, played by Adrian Grenier – Andy Sachs's gaslighting, unsupportive boyfriend who we're most definitely not going to miss. Photo: TheStewartofNY (Getty Images) The movie went into production on 20 June 2025 – both original millennial fans (well into their 30s now) and Gen Zs who found this fashion and pop culture gem along the way were finally excited to go back to the theatres. And now I want to sit back and relax and enjoy my evening. When all of a sudden, I hear this agitating, grating voice… Not to quote Abby Lee Miller from season 2 of Dance Moms , but this is exactly how I felt when I saw Hathaway's first look drop on Instagram. Unless you live under a rock, you've probably seen half her wardrobe from the film already. If this was any other film, it wouldn't matter as it doesn't give away the plot – the paparazzi could continue to milk the audience's curiosity. But when it comes to films like The Devil Wears Prada – where the costumes are not only integral, they could very well be described as an additional character that carries the plot, this could be detrimental. Photo: XNY/Star Max (Getty Images) Next thing I know? Fashion pundits on social media and magazine writers were out, guns blazing with their outfit reviews: 'Top 10 items from Anne Hathaway's Devil Wears Prada wardrobe that you can own.' 'From Phoebe Philo to Jacquemus, here's what Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs are wearing in the sequel.' The vintage Coach Metropolitan Briefcase from 1987, spotted on Hathaway in the first look, sold out minutes after the brand's Re(Loved) programme listed a similar version. Now, not only do I already know Emily and Andy's fashion arc in their 40s, I also know what Miranda Priestly will wear to the make-believe Met Gala. Now that is sacred – and where I draw the line. Photo: Aeon (Getty Images) Having to watch the stills of a film you're excited to watch on the big screen on your phone (against your will) does a major disservice to the story, the artists and the viewers who are all equally invested. Whatever happened to a good old mystery? It's the element of surprise that makes the movie even more special – and in a film like this, which isn't horror or a thriller, fashion is the pièce de résistance. The price of a movie being filmed in New York is having to watch most of it on your phone already – a similar trajectory befell films like The Materialist and It Ends with Us . Based on Colleen Hoover's famous novel, It Ends with Us , the movie adaptation starred Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in the titular roles. From the minute Lily Bloom's first look (played by Lively) was dropped, fans were unimpressed when the version of frumpy-chic described in the book didn't match the on-screen portrayal. With every look drop and its out-of-context, badly angled paparazzi shot, the pre-release bad press regarding the costumes was at an all-time high. I know, ironic, a considerably small blip in comparison to the post-release fiasco. Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin (Getty Images) But this new-age marketing technique, where the audience is overfed information to get them curious, may just be hurting the project more than it's benefiting. Can we please bring back less-is-more when it comes to show-and-tell with regard to films? The fashion in them, however, can always be OTT.
