Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
US rapper and singer Doja Cat has released a new music video for her single “Gorgeous”. The video, which came out over the weekend, is already creating excitement not just for the song but also for the impressive group of models who star in it. The project brings together international supermodels, regional talents, and even a personal family touch from the artist herself.
A Cast of Top Models
The music video features a star-studded cast. Among the most notable names is Imaan Hammam, a Dutch model of Moroccan and Egyptian roots, who has become one of the most celebrated faces in global fashion. Alongside her is Mona Tougaard, who has Turkish, Somali, and Ethiopian heritage, and Ugbad Abdi, a US Somali model who has gained international fame in recent years.
These three models represent diversity and showcase the strong presence of regional talent on the global stage. They are joined by other international icons such as Irina Shayk, Anok Yai, Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser, Yseult, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Alek Wek, Karen Elson, and Sora Choi. Together, this lineup highlights a new era of fashion representation, where cultural and ethnic diversity are celebrated.
A Creative Concept
The video for “Gorgeous” is styled as a playful tribute to 1980s makeup advertisements. Models are seen with bold hairstyles, pastel backdrops, and retro-inspired makeup tools like lip gloss cases and mascara wands. The visuals create a nostalgic atmosphere that matches the sound of Doja Cat’s new album “Vie”, which is strongly influenced by the style and music of the 1980s.
Adding a personal touch, Doja Cat also cast her mother, Deborah Sawyer, in the video. This choice makes the project not only fashionable but also intimate, blending professional artistry with family bonds.
Doja Cat’s Musical Direction
The single “Gorgeous” is part of Doja Cat’s recently released fifth album, “Vie.” Unlike some of her earlier work, this album leans heavily into 1980s-inspired sounds, complete with neon themes and the iconic saxophone solos often heard in pop music from that decade.
Music critics have described the album as colorful, dramatic, and full of nostalgic energy. Rolling Stone magazine called it “an album full of pastels and neon and mega-cheese sax solos,” which captures both the fun and bold spirit of the project.
Imaan Hammam’s Personal Journey
For Imaan Hammam, this is not the first time she has been part of a music project. In 2024, she appeared in a video for “Imaan”, a song by Sudanese Canadian poet and musician Mustafa Ahmed, also known as Mustafa. Her involvement in music videos reflects her strong connection to both fashion and culture.
Hammam is also known for her love of the arts. Earlier this year, she launched Ayni, an archival project that documents and celebrates Arab contributions to film, art, music, and literature. On social media, she explained that the platform is her way of sharing Arab creativity with the world.
“Meet Ayni, an archive dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Arab artistic expression through my eyes,” she wrote on Instagram. Her project has received attention for highlighting important Arab voices, both past and present, and has deepened her reputation as more than just a model — but also as a cultural ambassador.
The Importance of Representation
The casting of regional models like Hammam, Tougaard, and Abdi in Doja Cat’s video is significant. It shows how mainstream music and fashion industries are becoming more open to diversity. Representation matters because it allows audiences from different cultural backgrounds to see themselves in global media.
By including models from North Africa, the Middle East, and the wider African diaspora, Doja Cat’s video not only celebrates beauty but also breaks traditional barriers in the entertainment industry. This reflects a larger cultural shift where inclusion and recognition of global talent are becoming essential.
A Blend of Music, Fashion, and Culture
Doja Cat has always been known for mixing music with striking visuals. With “Gorgeous”, she goes a step further by merging pop culture with fashion history. The video pays homage to a past era while also highlighting today’s diverse fashion icons. For fans, it offers more than just a song — it is an artistic statement about beauty, identity, and creativity.
The involvement of her mother adds an extra layer of warmth, reminding viewers that behind the glamour, there are personal stories and family connections.
Why This Video Stands Out
In today’s music scene, visuals are as important as the songs themselves. “Gorgeous” is not just another release; it’s a cultural moment where music, fashion, and heritage come together. The collaboration with leading models makes the project memorable and helps position Doja Cat’s album “Vie” as one of her most ambitious works yet.
For Imaan Hammam and other regional stars, it is also a powerful reminder that their voices and faces are shaping global pop culture in new and exciting ways.
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