This is why people are upset about Bella Hadid’s “Vogue Arabia” cover
The Hadid sisters are taking the entire world by storm. And although that astronomic rise is impressive, their appearance on certain international magazine covers isn’t sitting well with some. For the September issue of Vogue Arabia, Bella Hadid appears on both the Arabic and English covers. The September issue is the magazine’s biggest of the year, self-defined as “The Middle East’s definitive September fashion issue.”
On Instagram, frustrated Vogue Arabia fans are expressing their upset over the magazine’s choice of cover model. Although the Hadids are half-Palestinian, many in the Middle East would have liked to see a model actually from the region, as opposed to an American.
Many in the comments section showed their support for Bella’s two covers. But for every supportive comment is a valid critique.
Sister, Gigi, experienced similar backlash when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Arabia back in March. Gigi wore a hijab in her cover photo, leading some to wonder why Vogue Arabia didn’t just cast a model who wears a hijab in her everyday life.
Of course, Bella and Gigi are not entirely to blame for the Westernization of Vogue Arabia. All those involved in putting together the magazine have a hand in their audience’s anger.
The Hadid sisters’ covers are undeniably beautiful, but when you have a giant social platform, like Vogue Arabia does, that can potentially influence and enlighten so many people, beauty alone may not cut it. Hopefully Vogue Arabia will take note.
