On Sunday in Los Angeles, Imaan Hammam, the Moroccan-Egyptian model who needs little introduction, once again stood out on the runway at lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret. She first appeared in a silver ensemble with delicate draping, then turned heads in a lime-green outfit featuring cutouts, fringes and matching glittering wings, a signature feature of the show. Both looks highlighted the confidence and stage presence of a model well accustomed to the event.
For Malika El Maslouhi, the occasion carried special significance. The Moroccan-Italian model made a striking debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway in two outfits with very different aesthetics. The first paired black lingerie with silver detailing, crisscrossing body jewelry and long sheer stockings, topped off with an imposing sculptural silver headpiece.
Her second look was lighter and more ethereal, featuring a pale pink sheer slip dress with lace detailing and an asymmetrical hem. The two outfits showcased her ability to shift from a bold, assertive look to a more delicate aesthetic.
Although one is a veteran of the show and the other a newcomer, their paths have already crossed in the world of major fashion houses. From Fashion Weeks to advertising campaigns, both have built international careers, each with a distinct style and trajectory.
Born in Amsterdam to an Egyptian father and a Moroccan mother, Imaan Hammam, now in her thirties, was discovered at just 13 in the Dutch capital’s central train station. The unexpected encounter opened the door to an international career. In 2013, she drew attention when she opened Givenchy’s show, gradually establishing herself as one of the most sought-after models of her generation.
Since then, major fashion houses have regularly sought her out. Chanel, Versace, Burberry, Moschino, Jacquemus and Giorgio Armani have all worked with her, as have brands including H&M, Shiseido and Céline for their campaigns.
Since making her Victoria’s Secret debut in 2014, Hammam has walked for the brand several times. Her natural curls have become her signature, setting her apart in an industry long shaped by uniform beauty standards. Proud of her Moroccan and Egyptian heritage, which she embraces both on and off the runway, the top model also reflects the fashion industry’s gradual opening to a wider range of faces and cultural backgrounds.
For 27-year-old Malika El Maslouhi, modeling was not a predetermined career path. Born in Milan to a Moroccan father and an Italian mother, she was discovered while pursuing university studies before deciding to devote herself fully to fashion. Milan-based agency Why Not Model Management represents her in Italy and is among the agencies supporting her career.
She made her runway debut at Alberta Ferretti’s Fall/Winter 2019-2020 show, then walked for Dior’s Cruise 2020 collection, presented in Marrakech in April 2019. She went on to become a regular on the New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Week calendars, walking for labels including Chanel, Hermès, Valentino and Jacquemus.
Her career has since taken her to the runways of fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Valentino and Jacquemus. She has also appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton, while featuring in several editions of Vogue.
As her career has progressed, El Maslouhi has also spoken out about the representation of Arab women in the fashion industry. In an interview with Vogue Italia in January 2024, she discussed the lack of role models she could identify with in advertisements and magazines during her childhood. She also highlighted the limitations of scouting and casting in certain regions.
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Her Victoria’s Secret debut adds another milestone to a career already shaped by the major fashion capitals. It is a symbolic step for the model as she continues to move between prestigious runways and international campaigns.
One knows the ins and outs of the American show by heart, while the other has made a remarkable entrance. Together, Imaan Hammam and Malika El Maslouhi are adding another chapter to contemporary modeling, proudly carrying their Moroccan heritage onto some of the world’s biggest runways.
