Global Women 2023: Modern Traditions

Our annual Global Women portfolio captures the many ways that women around the world present and represent themselves. Recent history has shown how quickly things can come undone—with that in mind, we found ourselves thinking about what endures. These six stories, each in their own way, are about traditions: the great effort it takes to preserve them and, in some cases, the ways in which they’re radically reimagined.

These Women of Color Turn Historical Dressing Into a Modern Art Form

<cite class="credit">Photographed by Diana Markosian</cite>
Photographed by Diana Markosian
Whether they call themselves historical costumers, interpreters, or vintage enthusiasts, their dedication to the aesthetics of the past offers a captivating lesson in history, style, and identity.

Read The Story

In New York City, a Ukrainian Dance Company Finds Strength in Tradition

<cite class="credit">Photographed by Mayan Toledano</cite>
Photographed by Mayan Toledano
The love of dance is passed down among generations for many of the women of Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.

Read The Story

In This Coastal Venezuelan Town, Local Fisherwomen Are Shifting the Power Dynamic

<cite class="credit">Photographed by Silvana Trevale</cite>
Photographed by Silvana Trevale
On the northwest coast of Venezuela, a group of women has turned to fishing during a time of crisis—and challenged the male-dominated status quo.

Read The Story

How These Mesmerizing Henna Artists Are Modernizing Traditional Body Art

<cite class="credit">Photographed by Farah Al Qasimi</cite>
Photographed by Farah Al Qasimi
A meaningful exploration of the history and evolution of henna, told through the mesmerizing designs of artists old and new.

Read The Story

How Generations of Indonesian Women Are Preserving an Ancient Juicing Tradition

<cite class="credit">Photographed by Nyimas Laula</cite>
Photographed by Nyimas Laula
Jamu, the general term for traditional herbal drinks, is a daily way of life and a cornerstone of health across the Indonesian archipelago.

Read The Story

Meet the Grande Dames of Milingimbi: The Women Who Weave

<cite class="credit">Photographed by Katrin Koenning</cite>
Photographed by Katrin Koenning
The experience of watching serrated-edged pandanus leaves transform into colorful fiber—now being spun into baskets, bags, jewelry and mats by the same hands—is nothing less than pure magic.

Read The Story

Originally Appeared on Vogue

Discover More Global Women Stories