Playful textures, high-shine sequins and plenty of attitude… In celebration of its tenth anniversary, MOJEH delves into its archives and serves up a spirited dose of drama, captured by some of this generation’s greatest visionaries. Letting go – without limits – never looked so good
In times of uncertainty, fashion has traditionally responded with both flair and flamboyancy – a fairytale escape from the ambiguity of life, if only for a fleeting moment. With that in mind, since our first issue hit shelves a decade ago (and what a decade it’s been for both the Middle East and beyond), I’ve endeavoured to accent each issue with fiery fashion shoots that offer nothing but euphoria. Some call it audacity; I call it escape. Consider: Haute Couture gowns brimming with frills and florals; ready-to-wear replete with embellishment, jubilant hues and a whole lot of attitude; and beauty looks not for the faint hearted. Brimming as it is with blazing tones and lavish textures, allow our archive to lift spirits and whisk you to a place of wonderment, regardless of what might be going on in the world outside. Through all its high-octane drama, MOJEH promises to engage your senses and stir-up excitement, time and time again.
Ode To Femininity, Federico De Angelis, 2010
This iconic image serves as a reminder to never forget the drama that a monumental sweep of sequins can bestow. Best worn with an unapologetic energy. Dress, Chanel Haute Couture
The Angle Of Circeo, Federico De Angelis, 2010
Crimson lips, a wash of Bond-girl-blonde and lavish fur. The only way it can be improved? Add a picturesque Italian backdrop. Fur scarf, Dior
Style Soliloquy, Riccardo Vimercati, 2010
An orange-red lip against a black and gold gown creates a look that ’s at once modern and momentous. Don’t be afraid to borrow the pairing for daytime, too. Dress, Jantaminiau Haute Couture
In Another Life, Ricardo Vimercati, 2013
Influenced by the persuasive punk era, MOJEH reimagined a mohawk and heavy eye for the present-day. Dress, Tory Burch
After Show, Stefania Paparelli, 2012
Forever the Middle East’s couturier of dreams, Syrian designer Rami Al Ali melds liquid gold with billowing silk in a dress that demands drama. Dress, Rami Al Ali; Necklace, Damiani
Joie De Vivre, Ellen Von Unwerth, 2014
For her first foray into publishing in the Middle East, German fashion-model-turned-photographer Ellen von Unwerth epically captures the fun and frivolous nature found when fashion runs wild. Bodysuit, Charlotte Lich
Caught In A Dream, Amber Gray, 2014
Get lost in the quixotic vision of days gone by created by photographer Amber Gray for MOJEH’s 2014 Haute Couture issue. Dress, Atelier Versace
Pretty Little Things, Amber Gray, 2014
Ruffles, florals and sheers: one of fashion’s most feminine and aspirational combinations. Dresses from left to right: Paul Smith; Viktor&Rolf; Giambattista Valli; Chanel; Paul Smith
Beauty Of Style, Julio Gamboa, 2015
For its July 2015 cover MOJEH explored the invincible nature of Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel collections – all at once tough, opulent and somewhat hypnotic. Jacket, shorts and boots, Chanel
A Parisian Love Story, Chantelle Dosser, 2018
Old couture meets new-world artistry in a collision of conventional codes. Consider mini-dresses in princess pinks for a fresh perspective. Dress, Chanel Haute Couture
Fantasyland, Thanassis Krikis, 2018
Life, at times, calls for theatrics. Bold prints, primary hues and inflamed silhouettes impassion our wardrobes to mood-boosting effect. Jacket, skirt, scarf and boots, Balenciaga
New Horizons, Greg Adamski, 2020
Oman’s jaw-dropping mountainscape demonstrates beyond all doubt that the perfect setting requires the perfect dress. Here, Valentino proves to be the dream match. Dress, Valentino
Sûre De Soi, Rui Faria, 2018
When the occasion demands it, beauty should be anything but shy. Think bold washes of bright hues, unexpected iridescence and leap-out lashes – even if it is merely for 2021’s Zoom-call culture. Make-up, Dior
Haute Desirability, Rui Faria, 2018
Go for the greatest amount of sheers and swirls that you dare; escaping into a gown of mountainous volume will never grow old. Dress, Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
Creatures Of Nature, Chantelle Dosser, 2018
Give in to fashion’s fairytale with copious amounts of lace, silk and tulle. Muddy field, optional. Dress, Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
Wild Things, Vivienne Balla, 2019
The anarchist spirit of Haute Couture’s enfant terrible offers a kind of audaciousness that ’s not for the faint hearted. Dress, Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture
Read Next: Editor’s Letter: The Tenth Anniversary Issue
