Who to follow this month
In the spirit of out “Go Your Own Way” April issue that celebrates independent spirits and those who are not afraid to stand out, we have curated a list of Instagram accounts that will definitely inspire you to be bold.
@amani_ballour
Amani Ballour is the first-ever woman in charge of a hospital in Syria during the war. Her work in that role formed the storyline of the Syrian documentary, The Cave from National Geographic Documentary Films, which was nominated for an Oscar this year.
@coperni
Coperni is a Parisian ready-to-wear and accessories brand designed by Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant. It was in 2013 that Sébastien decided to create Coperni with the help of Arnaud, who also works at Balenciaga. The brand staged its first show at Paris Fashion week in 2020.
@gretathunberg
In May 2018, aged 15, Swedish Greta won a climate change essay competition in a local newspaper. Later on, she started demonstrating with a sign that read ‘School Strike for Climate’. By December 2018, more than 20,000 students around the world had joined her including Australia, UK and the US.
@halima
Halima Aden is a Somali-American fashion model famous for being the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. After that, Halima received national attention and was signed to IMG Models as the first Hijabi Model. Halima Aden became a UNICEF Ambassador in July 2018.
@jacquieaiche
Cult LA-based brand, Jacquie Aiche gives a nod to her Egyptian roots thoughout her deisgns which she creates using only the most hand-selected of crystals for thier energy giving properties. Aiche’s designs are loved the globe over by Behati Prinsloo, Kylie Jenner and Rihanna.
@mouslamrabat
Acclaimed photographer Mous Lamrabat was born in Morocco. After studying interior design, he discovered art and began to use his cultural experiences by fusing Western and Moroccan aesthetics to create his unique vision. Rich Moroccan heritage is present in everything he portraits.
@nickfouquet
LA – based brand Nick Fouquet, has a BA in Environmental Science and Sustainable Development. He creates customised hats where the flow of designs “come from travel, art, love and myself”. His creations have been worn by Madonna and Pharrell Williams and all carry his signature matchstick.
@niswaorg
Founded by Zainab Alradhi, it’s one of the first spaces committed to promoting body literacy for Arab women. Niswa is dedicated to empowering women through reconnecting with their cycles and taking charge of their fertility. She has a B.S in Health Sciences from the University of Michigan.
@remieakl
Lebanese artist Rémie Akel decided that her artistic start would be by raising the voice of every Arab person. She directed and wrote a short video entitled My Arabic. On International Women’s Day 2020, she released a video with over 150k views.
@repossi
The Italian jewellery house founded in 1920 in Turin by Gian Petro Repossi is built around four generations. At the age of 21, Gaia Repossi was appointed creative and artistic director of the House. The Berbère Collection 2010 was the groundbreaker for the House of Repossi.
@taleedah
Taleedah Tamer first made history back in 2018, as the first Saudi model to walk during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. The young model opened for Antonio Grimaldi in a dramatic white suit. Taleedah is the first Saudi Arabian model to be featured on the cover of an international magazine.
@winnieharlow
Jamaican-Canadian model Winnie Harlow is the world’s first model with vitiligo. She became famous after being on America’s Next Top Model. Since then she has catapulted onto the covers of the biggest fashion magazines in the world and continues to shed a positive light on vitiligo.
