California-based photographer Sid Rane [IG] spotlights Faouzia [Ouihya], a Moroccan-Canadian “force of nature” with a beautiful voice in the pages of ELLE Bulgaria March 2021. Oretta Corbelli styles Faouzia in tailored, modern opulence with a western edge from Giorgio Armani, Laerke Valum, Marcell Von Berlin, Marzook and more. / Hair by Virginie Pineda; makeup by Samiye Ouihya

AOC asked photographer Sid Rane if he wanted to share any thoughts about the Faouzia fashion shoot itself.

Photographer Sid Rane on the Faouzia fashion shoot for ELLE Bulgaria

“My intent with this story was to celebrate diversity in our creative worlds. And the cool aspect was that we were able to get together people of diverse cultures for this shoot. It gives me hope to see that the industry is gradually becoming inclusive and welcoming of artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Outlets such as ‘Anne of Carversville’ are major catalysts in growing this awareness and encouraging more such hidden artists to showcase their talent.”

Vogue Arabia on the Faouzia & John Legend Collab ‘Minefields’

“I want this video to depict the common struggles that we all face,” Faouzia says about her new ‘Minefields’ ballad with John Legend. “It symbolizes both the emotional and literal challenges that we go through to be with and support those around us,” Vogue Arabia reports about the highly-praised collab. “I hope that viewers will feel hopeful and remember that things will always get better.”

The ‘Minefields’ video was shot over two days — but weeks apart — at Bonelli park in San Dimas and then at Big Sky Ranch in Simi Valley. The young singer wanted to honor her Arab roots and originally chose a black Ashi couture dress for the video before a change in plans.

“We shot it and then the direction changed in the video. Instead, we wanted to add another shoot day with something ethereal, hopeful, full of light. The Ashi silhouettes resonated with me because they are like pieces of art. Music and fashion are in a lot of ways one in the same. I wanted to represent my Arab roots as well in the design. It was a great honor to wear Ashi. I felt like a princess.”

Related: See more Sid Rane photography on his website. AOC appreciates Rane’s comments about our mutual commitment to promoting diversity among creatives and also — on AOC — telling the stories of the Black experience, in particular, in America and beyond.