When Faiza Bouguessa, Nada Debs, Nezha Alaoui, and Rita Soueidan arrived on set for the MADAME Arabia shoot, they were strangers. Each woman, a leader in her field, came with her own expertise, her own rhythm, and her own unique journey. 

But by the end of the day, there were hugs, phone number were exchanged, and promises made to stay in touch. What began as a mere photoshoot evolved into something far more meaningful – a spark of sisterhood between women who have empowered others by simply being who they are.

Faiza Bouguessa, the French-Algerian designer behind her eponymous label Bouguessa, has redefined contemporary elegance with her clean lines, architectural silhouettes, and grounded aesthetic. Her pieces speak to women who lead with both presence and restraint. Through her brand, Bouguessa offers a powerful vision of modern womanhood that embraces modesty, strength, and undeniable style.

Nada Debs is a name synonymous with emotional craftsmanship. From her base in Lebanon, she has created a globally renowned design house that blends Middle Eastern heritage with a sharp contemporary eye. Her work in furniture and object design goes far beyond form – it tells stories, preserves traditions, and connects generations. The warmth of Debs’ work is deeply rooted in identity, emotion, and cultural pride.

Nezha Alaoui is a Moroccan entrepreneur and global advocate whose mission is as bold as it is clear – empower women to lead. She accomplishes this through Women Choice, a multifaceted social enterprise she created to support women across Africa and the Middle East to grow, lead, and take control of their futures. Whether she’s speaking at the UN or mentoring the next generation of female leaders, Alaoui moves with purpose and a fierce belief in the transformative power of women supporting women.

And Rita Soueidan brings it all back to the senses. Born and raised in the UAE, the Lebanese chef found her calling early, helping her mother prepare traditional dishes in the family kitchen. Today, Soueidan channels that passion into her craft, celebrating heritage through food and creating dishes that carry memory, identity, and comfort in every bite. Her cooking is more than nourishment – it’s storytelling on a plate.

While these four women might not have known of each other before the day began, they were nonetheless intrinsically connected through the shared intention behind their lives and work. Each one is leading by example, showing that success doesn’t have to shout. It can simmer, it can sculpt, it can serve, and, in doing so…speak volumes. 

And sometimes that next big ‘aha’ moment can come down to a simple conversation between women who just met – yet somehow already understand one another.

Faiza Bouguessa
Designing with intention

Nezha Alaoui
It's her choice

Rita Soueidan
Kindess in the kitchen

Nada Debs
The art of belonging

Photographer: Ziga Mihelcic
Stylist: Jade Chilton
Creative Producer: Beya Bou-Harb

Cover photo:
Clockwise from top: Faiza Bouguessa wears an outfit by Bouguessa with Grain de Café earrings in yellow gold and white gold with diamonds by Cartier; Rita Soueidan wears an outfit by Bouguessa with Grain de Café earrings and a necklace in yellow gold and white gold with diamonds, all by Cartier; Nezha Alaoui wears an outfit by Bouguessa, shoes by Malone Souliers with Grain de Café earrings, a necklace and bracelet in yellow gold and white gold with diamonds, all by Cartier; Nada Debs wears an outfit by Bouguessa with a Grain de Café necklace in yellow gold and white gold with diamonds by Cartier.