Vogue cover of saudi princess behind wheel spurs controversy

You're referring to the recent controversy surrounding the Vogue Arabia cover featuring Saudi Princess Hayfa bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud behind the wheel of a car.

The cover, which was published in March 2022, sparked a heated debate on social media, with some people praising the princess for breaking cultural norms and others criticizing her for perpetuating gender segregation and patriarchal values.

In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive, and the country only lifted its ban on female driving in 2017. The ban was seen as a symbol of the country's restrictive laws and social norms, which are based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The Vogue Arabia cover, which was shot by photographer Alessandro Lucchetti, shows Princess Hayfa sitting behind the wheel of a car, with a confident and empowered expression. The image was intended to celebrate the princess's independence and confidence, but it was met with criticism from some quarters.

Some people argued that the cover was inappropriate and disrespectful, as it showed a woman driving in a country where it is not allowed. Others saw it as a form of cultural appropriation, where a Western fashion brand was promoting a cultural norm that is not accepted in Saudi Arabia.

The controversy highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of cultural norms and values in Saudi Arabia. While the country has made significant progress in recent years, including the lifting of the driving ban, there is still a long way to go in terms of promoting gender equality and social change.

In response to the controversy, Vogue Arabia issued a statement saying that the cover was intended to celebrate the princess's confidence and independence, and that it was not meant to promote or condone gender segregation or patriarchal values.

The controversy also sparked a wider debate about the role of fashion and media in promoting cultural change and social progress. Some people argued that fashion brands have a responsibility to promote positive change and challenge cultural norms, while others saw the controversy as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of promoting social change in a rapidly changing world.

Overall, the Vogue Arabia cover featuring Princess Hayfa behind the wheel of a car highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding gender equality and social change in Saudi Arabia, and the complex and often contradictory nature of cultural norms and values in the country.