WSJ Magazine goes to Sri Lanka with model Imaan Hammam in the ‘Best Dresses of the Summer’. The very top model, who is tight with Adut Akech and Palomma Elsesser, says about models of color in fashion: “I remember when I started, it was competitive,” pointing out that often only one model of color would get cast for any given job.

Hammam agrees that this is no longer the case.

Several of us are very concerned that this wonderful new reality lasts. But for now, the change is dramatic — very dramatic — in fact. I admit that for awhile AOC tried to pulse our posts, and we gave up. Elation reigns, of course.

We actually have this Muslim beauty’s first fashion shoot in Maui, Hawaii with Liya Kebede by Mikael Jansson for Vogue US. Liya Kebede & Imaan Hammam By Mikael Jansson For Vogue US January 2014 AOC Fashion and Style

Read her short interview with Derek Blasberg, at WSJ Magazine if you know little about Imaan Hammam’s background.

As for the headline about Imaan’s work in Africa — which really caught AOC’s eye — Hammam made one trip to Gambia in 2019 with a group called ‘She’s the First’. She hopes to go again in the future.

Now for the photography by Nadine Ijewere [IG] There are some spectacular shots in this fashion story. Several are gallery worthy and kudos to Nadine Ijewere.

Also, I quickly reviewed our 70 Imaan Hammam fashion stories, and she is rarely — if ever — photographed with her hair styled in this way by Shiori Takahashi. Makeup is by Grace Ahn.

From certain angles, I wouldn’t recognize this star model. All in all, WSJ took good care of Imaan Hammam on this fashion production.

Kate Phelan styles the fashion shoot of best dresses for summer. Her list includes Miu Miu on the cover, with inside fashion elegance from Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cucinelli, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Molly Goddard , Oscar de la Renta, Raf Simons, Versace and more. Check out the WSJ link first paragraph to see product particulars.