Maram Zbaeda Maalouf Is The Harper’s Bazaar Junior Autumn/Winter 2025 Issue Cover Star

She lives in the full glare of the limelight – but what’s life really like for the British-Libyan mum-of-two? Bazaar Junior gets a glimpse of the family behind the feed

Life seems to be a string of serendipitous scenarios for Maram Zbaeda Maalouf. Her meet-cute with now-husband, Chris, is straight out of a rom-com plot. “It’s a crazy story,” she laughs while recounting their first encounter in 2016. “We got seated next to each other on a flight from Dubai to Beirut. We spoke for hours and I knew right away there was something special about him. That same evening, we went for dinner to Pacifico – a cosy little Mexican spot. Looking back, it was such an impulsive risk to take, meeting someone and having dinner the same day, but it felt so natural. It was meant to be.” As Maram sits in the photography studio, flanked by two-and-a-half-year-old son Kian and daughter Kaia, who is turning one soon, it’s clear that this was a happily ever after that was destined.

The much-followed social media star – she has over a million fans on Instagram and double that on TikTok – and Lebanese other half, who runs a media agency, are a much-lauded power couple, who’ve managed to merge the personal and professional effortlessly. “Chris works on the business and operations side of our family ventures – he’s my sounding board, finance brain, and the calm in the storm,” she confides. His laid-back nature was put to the test when they decided to tie the knot; unrest in Lebanon, then a global pandemic meant their fully-planned nuptials in Beirut in 2019, then Paris the following year, were delayed twice. In the end, realising that the wedding was about starting their life together rather than just a party, “We got married on March 19, 2020, with the most beautifully simple ceremony,” she recalls. The celebration, for which Maram wore Nicolas Jebran, teamed with Mouawad’s yellow and white diamond Dragon Suite, perfectly captured the duo’s commitment to each other.

“I’ve always pictured a home full of love, noise, and tiny shoes by the door,” Maram tells us. Having a family was “On the cards, but still the sweetest surprise when it actually happened. I was the friend who always volunteered for baby cuddles – but nothing truly prepares you for having your own.” The couple had discussed their dreams of having children early on in their relationship; “We’re a blend of Libyan, English, and Lebanese roots, and we talked early about raising them with kindness, faith, curiosity, and respect for both cultures and traditions.” Given Maram’s own childhood was idyllic; “simple, in the English small town of Southport. I wanted to pass the joy of simple rituals,” it was obviously something she manifested for her next generation too.

Maram has created a strong connection with her followers by always putting forward her authentic (yet always stylish) self, making them feel like they know – and admire – her. Pregnancies are unpredictable however, so was there an added element of stress given she’s always in the public eye? “Each pregnancy had its own rhythm,” she says. “I gave myself permission to be real. Some days I was glam, but I had pyjama days too. My community appreciates honesty more than polish.” She continues, telling us “There’s always pressure online, but we chose [to share] what felt meaningful. If it didn’t serve our family, it didn’t make the grid.”

Given that the couple were already in the habit of sharing before they embarked on the stage of their life, did they discuss what would and what wouldn’t be permissible to broadcast when it came to showcasing their next chapter? “Yes, and no. I set boundaries first – the kids’ privacy and safety are non-negotiable – and then let intuition guide what feels right to share.” What she was most nervous about were “The unknowns. With Kaia, I was more confident – but every child is their own little universe, so I stayed humble and flexible. ‘Doing it all’ is a myth,” she says. “Ask for help, accept help, and protect your energy like it’s a job.” The kind of work that she takes on has also adapted to her new normal; “quality over quantity. I prioritise brands I genuinely love, family-friendly timelines, and projects aligned with my values and audience.”

The upsides of having little ones have been plentiful. She smiles that the highlights of motherhood for her have been “Watching their personalities bloom – and seeing Chris as a dad. It’s magic. It deepened our partnership. We over communicate, tag-team, and schedule mini check-ins so neither of us runs on empty.” And even though she thought that the children’s “routines would limit us. In reality, gentle structure gives us the freedom to enjoy life more.”

Now that she’s a seasoned mum-of-two, Maram is armed with advice. “Protect your peace: limit noise and opinions,” she starts off. “And don’t forget to nourish yourself: sleep, sunlight, movement, and hydration matter more than trends.” Her last tip may be surprising given her line of work but she insists you should “Document for you, not the internet: capture the moments you’ll want to remember in 20 years.” She signs off by sharing the best advice she received before becoming a mother, “Grace over perfection; from my own mum – and I try to live it daily.” Despite her protestations that appearances can be deceiving, she makes it all look so easy, balancing looking fabulous on set with catering to her children’s whims. When pressed as to whether we can expect further pattering of little feet, she smiles; “We’re savouring this season with two little ones. If and when it’s meant to be, our hearts are open.”

Lead Image Credits: Stroller, Dhs6,790, Cybex e.Priam. Maram wears: Jacket, Dhs54,000; Earrings, Dhs6,300; Shoes, Dhs4,500, all Givenchy. Headpiece, Dhs4,000, Lia Gureeva. Tights, Stylist’s Own. Kïan wears: Top, Dhs500; Trousers, Dhs700, both Emporio Armani at Bloomingdale’s. Plush Toy, Dhs140, Jellycat at Bloomingdale’s. Shoes, Kïan’s Own

Photography by Ben Cope. Styling by Nour Bou Ezz. Make-Up: Aida Glow. Hair: Sebastian Iskander. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Styling Assistant: Sandra Krishna. Lighting Assistant: Jaypee Hardin

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Junior Autumn/Winter 2025 issue