Saudi Arabian Model Rozana and her Global Success

posted on: Aug 14, 2020

By: Ala Abed-Rabbo/Arab America Contributing Writer

Model Rozana

In 2013, Model Rawan Abdullah Abu Zeid, Rozana, a Saudi Arabian, moved to Los Angeles, California, to complete a degree in interior design—and pursue her dreams of becoming a model. On Instagram, she has more than 11.3 million followers. The Jubail-born Riyadh-raised model, known as Roz, is making quite a name for herself in the U.S., through a high-profile of advertising campaigns. She is working hard to be known as a worldwide fashion icon.

“Ever since I was young, becoming a model was always a dream of mine. It was a bit difficult for me as a Saudi woman…but to me nothing is impossible.”

The Shoot for Pink’s Collection

Moreover, starting with her career choice, Roz had to face many challenging stereotypes that were significant barriers, but dedication made her a successful model. She was able to prove to brands that fame is not her foremost aim, but instead to be influential to a wide audience. She worked hard to change the “typical image” of Saudi women. Gradually, Saudi Arabian women are changing the stereotype of being conservative.

Model Roz shot her very first Victoria’s Secret campaign for the Pink collection. She is the first model from Saudi Arabia to work with the famous undergarment brand. In the campaign, she is wearing black and yellow leggings, a sports top, and a zip-up jacket with mesh sleeves. She is not “afraid” or “ashamed” to shed some skin, despite what some Saudi Arabians may think, and will do whatever it takes to keep her name in the fashion industry.

On July 7, 2019, she made headlines on the global stage for becoming Saudi Arabia’s first model to shoot a campaign for the lingerie industry. The campaign displayed the label’s sportswear in a sun-drenched video.

Roz and Gigi Hadid

Rozana has worked with global beauty companies like Maybelline, an American company, beside Gigi Hadid. The model duo joined up for Gigi’s bold makeup line and, after its release, were seen together in New York. She also modeled for other prominent brands, such as Dolce & Gabbana, along with Hadid. She shared her happiness on an Instagram post after meeting and working with Hadid and included how much she appreciated Gigi’s work in the modeling industry.

Rozana and Brands

On July 16, 2019, Guess Accessories introduced its autumn collection, and the Saudi beauty Model Roz was in front of the ad campaign. It was shot in Los Angeles by famous photographers Claudia and Ralf Pulmanns. She wore the brand’s latest watches, footwear, jewelry, purses, and eye-wear from stores like shein.

“I was honored and proud to be part of the campaign and I would like to thank Guess for the opportunity,” Roz told BAZAAR on the collaboration. “Always dream big and never give up even if it takes time. Just be patient.”

Moreover, on May 5, 2019, she was the face of the Guess Ramadan Collection, showcasing a classy dress and flower-patterned prints created for Middle Eastern women.

The Saudi Arabian Model Face for Kat Von D.

We are living in a world where influencing has conquered people’s Instagram feeds, such as Roz’s page. She is known for her platinum blonde locks, beautiful eyes, full lips, straight nose, and unique style.

Recently, Roz was named the new face of US beauty brand Kat Von D’s newest product launch, True Portrait Foundation—a vegan, mid-coverage formula. Available in Sephora stores across the Middle East, the product comes in 40 different shades to fit a wide range of skin tones.

“The foundation is based on a liquid-to-powder formula that features Elastic Essence™ Effect: A combination of spherical powders described as having an “elastic core” that ensures the foundation never settles into skin.”

Roz partook in several fashion shows and photo-shoots in the United States. She accomplished remarkable successes with the most notable international brands; as a Gulf woman in this field and chosen to be the first Arab figure in terms of audience strength and triumph. The model will continue working in the fashion industry and reminds herself to further her work in what she loves and to never give up. She hopes that young Middle Eastern aspiring models follow their dreams.

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