Hanaa Ben Abdesslem is the new face of Lancôme

Since making her catwalk debut for Vivienne Westwood last year, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem has walked for Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy and Ralph Lauren as well as gracing the pages of French Vogue.  The 22-year-old Tunisian beauty has just been announced as the new face of French beauty giant Lancôme, which makes her the brand’s FIRST EVER  Arab Muslim ambassador. 

Hailing from Nabeul, located at 100km from Tunis, she joined and won second prize on the Lebanese equivalent of reality show Project Runway, Hanaa signed with  modeling agency IMG. 

"People in Tunisia have this misconception of what modeling is about, Modeling can be a career too. I plan to change this misconception within my culture,"-Hanaa Ben Abdesslem

Paul Rowland, head of Ford's women's division told the New York Times: 'My ideal legacy at Ford would be to open up the idea of beauty, not only being classic but being global. I want to find girls in Egypt or Sri Lanka or India — all the places where people don’t look.' 

“It’s incredible how much Hanaa reminds me of Isabella Rossellini. Her universal beauty simply channels the je-ne-sais-quoi that makes the uniqueness, strength and charm of every Lancôme woman", said Youcef Nabi, the President of Lancôme International. 

Hanaa will be featured in the cosmetic company’s new campaign for Teint Idole Ultra 24h foundation. The young model hopes her success will help galvanize other Arab women to break the stereotype mold and believe in modeling as a career. 

Way to go, Hanaa!