Did You Know The World’s First Arab Supermodel Was Lebanese?

If you haven’t heard of Andrée Acouri, then it’s about time you read up on this iconic Lebanese top model who graced international runways and made history as the first model to emerge from the Arab World.

It’s impossible not to bring up Lebanon’s golden age of fashion, an industry that was booming back in the 1960s as many homegrown talents rose to fame, both regionally and internationally. Beirut established itself as a fashionable hub for designers, photographers, and models with its traditional touch to modern style. To read more about the history of Lebanon’s fashion history, click here.

In an interview with Vogue Arabia, Andrée Acouri admits that back in 1962, she was approached by a famous designer when she was having lunch with her sister-in-law at a restaurant in Switzerland.

Before she knew it, she became a globally sought out model by some of the biggest fashion houses in the industry, like Dior, Chanel, and Saint Laurent. Though initially having no experience in modeling, Acouri found her calling on the runways of international shows.

One of the most pivotal moments in her career was becoming a muse for Nina Ricci. According to Vogue Arabia’s managing editor Jeannine Yazbeck, “Ricci played an integral role in her career. Acouri did not just model for the brand, but soon became the house’s muse and fitting model for seven years.”

Influenced by the booming fashion industry in Beirut, Acouri decided to launch a modeling school, in which a young Georgina Rizk was enrolled at the age of 14 (photographed above).

Acouri was known for her striking beauty and undeniable presence on the runway. On her Instagram, you’ll often find amazing shots from her runway shows and photoshoots, as well as some amazing experiences she had and continues to have as she travels across the world. She often reminisces her life as a supermodel and her time in fashionable 60s Beirut, sharing never-before-seen photographs from her personal archive.

If you’d like to read the full interview, click here!