The new wave of Arab supermodels

Arab supermodels are making a name for themselves in the fashion industry, and are changing the way Arab women are perceived by the rest of the world.

Hind Sahli is from Morocco, has been modelling for a couple of years and has worked with names such as Marc Jacobs, Kenzo and Vera Wang.

She puts her success down to a couple of things. "In fashion, they like to have new. Anything new is good."

But the diversity and culture of the Arab world is also appealing to those in the fashion industry.

"Designers and photographers - they like that we're not all the same and also we have such a big culture, it's so different from others - we can get inspired from so many things."

Coming from a conservative culture, the reaction to her modelling as a career choice has been mixed.

"Mostly, I have had positive reactions. Most people think it's good to have a Moroccan model. I have also had some young girls sending messages by Facebook asking me how I did it and how I started. I have had just a few bad reactions from people, but I don't mind - I'm happy what I'm doing."

But it is not just Hind Sahli making a name for herself - other models have also broken through, such as Hanaa ben Abdesslem from Tunisia, who has landed the holy grail of modelling - a contract with a cosmetic company, Lancome.

Shaista Gohir, a director of Muslim Women's Network UK and campaigner for women's rights believes that in the West, there is a generic stereotype of Arab Muslim women and that these models will help to change that.

"It's definitely revolutionary and a bold career choice, particularly because in that part of the world they are quite traditional.

- BBC