Bella Hadid has landed the cover of Vogue Arabia, which in any case is HUGE… but it’s also the September issue, which is the largest issue of any fashion mag.
Making it such an important issue, fans are pretty annoyed that the publication didn’t reserve the cover for an actual Arabian model.
Bella is half-Palestinian and Muslim. Palestine is not part of the Arabian peninsula, so the controversy is a little justified.
“You guys need to play the game right … this is called Vogue Arabia and the women on the cover do not represent Arabia whatsoever even though they have a half arab heritage they still represent and identify as a westerner,” one commenter wrote.
Another user added, “Stay away from westernized, watered down, pop culture models and find great **inspiring** representation for Vogue Arabia. I’m willing to bet there are amazing photographers from the Middle East as well. But simply put, some of us expect more from Vogue than the popular. “
They aren’t attacking Bella personally, one even wrote, “Ok we love bella but she’s every where and your magazine is just like any other, add the Arabian taste to fashion for God’s sake.”
The editor-in-chief of the mag, Manuel Arnaut defended his choice to pick Bella while talking to the New York Times.
“Bella Hadid is one of the most celebrated models of the time, plus she has a link with the region, being half-Palestinian but also a Muslim,” he said. “She is the perfect fit for Vogue Arabia.”
Bella’s sister Gigi came under similar fire back in March when she wore a hijab on the cover.
What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments.