*I cannot overemphasise* what a pinch-me moment it is, to be writing this editor’s letter. I’ve lived in the Middle East for 29 years and have witnessed first-hand the passions, prejudice, and preconceptions that Muslim women have endured from the Western world. My biggest goal when starting at Cosmo Middle East two years ago was to put Arab women – in all their various faculties and facets – at the forefront of our storytelling. It seems appropriate on many levels, then, that this issue is themed around breaking new ground, and ground-breaking is the only way to describe our cover star, Amy Roko.
Amidst legislation prohibiting various face veilings, from the hijab to the burqa, to me, Saudi-born Amy represents a new global idea that anything is possible. She has brushed aside with ease what others think about one of the most controversial pieces of clothing out there – the niqab – and is a beautiful statement of what it means to both be a Gen-Z world citizen and someone who observes aspects of their religious and cultural tradition.
The shoot was iconic, watching our all-Arab crew take this step together. Kind, engaged, socially-minded, and culturally aware, the fashion team curated a joyous stream of modest outfits and face coverings from local designers, pushing our shoot outside the sartorial box. It was a day of serendipitous creativity that resulted from a meeting of the most progressive minds.
Abaya and headscarf: stylist’s own.
It feels like an ironic twist of fate that I am writing about our most disruptive cover star while also introducing our most disruptive issue: Since its inception in 2011 to 2022, Cosmo Middle East hasn’t changed its spots. For a brand that has always embraced the zeitgeist, the space in which we were born, its taken us far too long to amplify regional voices like Amy’s.
And so, as this new era of Cosmo Middle East begins to take hold – one that will only continue to enrich and enliven women of the Arab world –, the time has come for us to look forward. Our new Zine is fizzing with adrenaline, youthful expression, and imagination, and I hope you enjoy her as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Click here to read our full cover interview with Amy Roko.