By Harichandana P D

Bridging art and culture 

Diana, a 26-year-old Syrian model and a marketing graduate from the American University of Kuwait, embarked on her modeling career at the age of 17. Initially introduced to the field while working in promotions, she found herself drawn to modeling as an artistic outlet that resonated with her passion for creativity. “Modeling has some sort of art in it. And art has always been something that I liked and have been into. It’s the artistic part of the modeling job that I enjoy the most,” she said.

For Diana, a typical day begins with the ritual of coffee, followed by rigorous gym sessions to maintain physical fitness which is a necessity in an industry that demands endurance and core strength, especially during long shoots in heels. She emphasized the seasonal nature of modeling in Kuwait, where peak periods are filled with back-to-back studio sessions. Diana’s approach to modeling is not just about posing; it’s a meticulous preparation involving makeup, nails and a selection of heels to suit various assignments.

Diana believes pursuing a career in modeling truly has its advantages. “Firstly, you meet a lot of people who are so nice to you, and it also opens doors to you for expressing yourself in artistic ways. It’s nice to go as a model to shows and see the results,” she explained. She attributes her successful presentations of designers’ outfits to be the result of effective teamwork, making her feel motivated and thankful for the job.

Challenges in the industry, she explains, extend beyond physical demands. There are misconceptions about modeling, particularly regarding its perceived ease and superficiality. Diana highlighted the mental resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of the profession. “I have had a few modeling gigs where I was mentally not okay. When this happens, I try to put my feelings aside to give the client the best results.”

Moreover, she appreciates Kuwait’s modesty guidelines, which ensure that boundaries are respected and that cultural sensibilities are upheld, although she wishes them to be a little more open-minded. “I really like that there are modesty guidelines which protect us women from being taken advantage of, but I would like to see a bit of change where showing a bit of skin is more acceptable.” She hopes Kuwait’s modeling industry evolves in a way where it becomes a little more liberal and additionally introduces runways in Kuwait.

Integrating Kuwaiti cultural elements into her modeling profession has been both a challenge and a source of inspiration for Diana. She incorporates local trends and aesthetics into her style, blending traditional influences with modern fashion sensibilities. For example, using simple gold accessories was influenced by Kuwaiti women for shoots.

Looking ahead, Diana draws inspiration from international models like Bella Hadid, not only for their physical appearance, but also for their professionalism and attitude towards their craft. “I would like to influence people to make them into thinking that modeling is not just sitting and posing but is a deeper form of art, which is influenced by teamwork and cooperation between the designer and the model, and the efforts, mental energy and physical energy it takes,” she pointed out.

Diana advises every aspiring models to work on their confidence. “You need to be extremely confident to enter this field. You must learn to put your feelings aside and present yourself in the best way possible.” She also suggests how it’s okay to say no if you’re not comfortable for a shoot. “Be yourselves, do what you think is right and enjoy it!”

Diana envisions a future where her modeling experience intersects with marketing, aiming for a career that balances creativity with strategic insight.

Embracing cultural richness

Katarina, a 23-year-old Serbian model, traces her journey to Kuwait from a burgeoning career that began in her homeland at the age of 16. Her transition to international modeling brought her to Kuwait in 2023, where she discovered a vibrant fashion scene amidst a backdrop of rich cultural heritage. “What I find unique about being a model in Kuwait is besides looks, people look for personality. People are truly kind, and they don’t seem to like negativity. Clients like you when you have a good personality and reflect positivity,” she shared.

Katarina describes her life as a model in Kuwait to be quite simple and calm. “My day usually begins in the afternoon with a coffee followed by me preparing my heels, hair and makeup for the day’s shoot. The shootings usually go on for 2-3 hours, after which I return home and take rest.”

Having a strong personality, Katarina shares how amidst the misconceptions and ill-opinions that society may have about models, it is always important to not be affected by them. “All you must do is prove them wrong and have a strong attitude and personality. You must not take anything to heart and should learn to ignore negativity in order to survive in this industry,” she advised.

For Katarina, adapting to Kuwait’s cultural norms initially presented challenges, particularly in navigating modesty guidelines and incorporating traditional elements into her modeling assignments. However, she quickly embraced these cultural differences, integrating local clothing like abayas into her shoots. “I wear a lot of abayas and other traditional outfits of women in Kuwait for my shoots, since it helps to do a lot of interesting and creative shoots.” This creative fusion also enriches her portfolio with diverse and culturally resonant imagery.

Katarina’s aspirations extend beyond modeling, as she draws inspiration from iconic figures in the industry such as Emrata, Naomi Campbell and Adriana Lima. “I appreciate and follow their careers. When I watch them do their thing, it takes me in awe,” she said.

Although her personal attribution of modeling holds some kind of standard within it, she believes every girl should try it. “There will be something about you that makes you different and unique from the other girls, be it your looks, fashion or personality. But one thing to remember is to be confident and to try it,” she said, adding: “Don’t stop and never look back. People will try to sabotage you but don’t listen, don’t give up and just do your thing!”

Katarina envisions a future where she not only continues to model, but also establishes her own agency, collaborating with luxury brands and pushing the boundaries of creativity.