7 Of Taleedah Tamer’s Most Inspirational Quotes On Breaking Boundaries In The Modelling Industry
“A lot of what gets the most attention on Instagram is people’s bodies and I don’t like that.”
Taking center stage as Bazaar’s July/August 2018 cover star, Taleedah Tamer—Saudi’s first-ever model—insists that being fashion’s muse is all about authenticity versus acting. Ahead, her most inspirational and poignant quotes about her pioneering career from our exclusive interview.
On accepting (and loving) yourself…
“I have quite strong features, which I really love. In the beginning I thought that was a flaw, but once I learned how to understand my face and what works in pictures, I realised that my strong features are what I love the most.”
On diversity in fashion…
“When I was younger, it didn’t cross my mind not to see Saudi women on magazine covers or in fashion shoots, but as I got older, I thought ‘why do these women not look like me?’ And why can modelling not be done in a way that’s respectful of our culture?”
On being the first…
“When I first started modelling I never thought that I’d be the ‘first Saudi model’, but it seems like the perfect time for the industry to open up. I want to represent Saudi women who are strong and beautiful.”
On being multi-faceted…
“I love being transformed on a shoot and I think it’s important to trust that they know what looks good. There are so many shades to a person, we’re not black and white, and so I love it when they bring out a different side of me on a shoot.”
On Instagram…
“A lot of what gets the most attention on Instagram is people’s bodies and I don’t like that. Instagram is a more glamorised version of a person’s life – it’s not necessarily realistic.”
On fashion proclivities…
“From my point of view, if you like more alternative fashion pictures [versus commercial], then that’s what you should share because there will be people who appreciate it.”
On being in front of the camera…
“I know social media is important to models now, but I’d rather focus on the career itself and working with artistic, unique, creative people to create a picture I can treasure for the rest of my life.”