Will Taleedah Tamer be the first Saudi supermodel?

 “I’ve lived in Saudi Arabia my whole life and whenever the topic of women driving came up, I always had faith that it would happen. I’ve always felt that in my heart. All my Saudi friends, even though they are conservative, they are liberal with their thinking in the sense that they are accepting of others. I always knew in my heart that we would move forward positively.

“Seeing all these videos of women driving brings me so much joy because I believe everyone has been waiting to see that for some time — men included — for women to have that liberty. I’m 100 percent going to get my license when I return to Jeddah. It’s great. It’s an amazing step forward.”

 It’s also an exciting time for the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh hosting Arab Fashion Week in April this year. 

Tamer has encouraging advice for Saudis looking to break into the industry. “I would say to just go for it. I know that there is so much beauty out there and I think there should be so many more faces to represent that beauty. For me, diversity in fashion is one of the most important things, one of the most beautiful things. You see a culture within a person.

“There needs to be more diversity in fashion and Saudi Arabia should be a part of that. Arab women need to be a part of that because there is so much beauty out there that hasn’t been seen. There shouldn’t be anything stopping them as long as they follow their conscience, what they believe in.” 

 Tamer’s fashion goals? “I do have professional and personal goals in many different fields within the fashion industry, but in regards to publications, being able to grace the cover of any of Vogue’s ‘Big 4’ — the French, Italian, British or American Vogue — would be such an honor.

“On the runway, I’ve always wanted to walk for Armani since my mother walked for them when she was younger, so that would be special. In photography, I would love to work with Steven Meisel. Some destinations I would love to visit and work on in location are Bora Bora, India, Croatia and Japan.”

 Tamer is a recent graduate of the British International School of Jeddah. While continuing her modeling career, she aims to further her education in business marketing.

Along the way, though, she will continue to combine her Saudi heritage with an Italian fashion perspective. It’s a recipe that is certain to cook up a more inclusive and tolerant dialogue — with a stylish twist.