Ugbad Abdi Is a True 'Female Force' in Family Focus Story for Vogue Netherlands December AOC Fashion

Somali-American model Ugbad Abdi covers the December 2024 issue of Vogue Netherlands. In a rare and unique, large photoshoot, Ugbad introduces us to her siblings — not for the first time — but rare nevertheless.

They include her sister Hani Abdi — with whom she modeled in Vogue Arabia’s 2022 Ramadan issue. Ugbad’s other siblings include Mushin Abdi, Naimo Abdi and Suwayda Abdi. Sonny Groo [IG] styled the 30-page presentation with images by fellow Brooklynite creator and photographer Wikkie Hermkens [IG].

Going to the beginning of her archives on Models.com, AOC notes that her first ‘portraits’ were by Hermkens and Groo. No wonder they are so over the moon with this most well-done, large and family-focused fashion story on Vogue Netherlands. Additionally, it’s their first Vogue story that they’ve created as a team.

In her own words, the girl from Des Moines, IA [Anne country] sees herself as a light of conviction and promise:

"I get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that young girls dare to pursue their dreams, because I am proof that they can come true. I know like no one else how important it is to feel like there's a place for you in the world."

Because of Ugbad’s grace and humanity in a complicated world, AOC gladly follows the lead of Vogue Netherlands in sharing her story in depth. Watch this page. ~ Anne