Rising model Halima Aden is styled by Solange Franklin as one of ELLE UK’s ‘Wonder Women’, lensed by Clay Stephen Gardner./ Makeup by Grace Ahn; hair by Nai’vasha Johnson
As the first Muslim woman wearing a hijab in the world of high fashion, 21-year-old Halima Aden, a Somali refugee growing up in Minnesota, is hailed “as the role model we need in 2018” by British ELLE. “She’s the model who stays true to her beliefs. The proud refugee embracing American culture — without forgetting where she came from.”
We’ve all noticed a more modest direction in fashion, and ELLE UK quantifies it. “The Islamic fashion industry is set to be worth £267 billion by 2O21*, with modest fashion dominating the AW18 runways of Gucci, Calvin Klein 2O5W39NYC, Alexander Wang, Versace, Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior and more. Here, Halima talks about the journey with Muslim Girl editor-in-chief Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, a fellow hijabi and role model redefining what Muslim women can do. “
Carine Roitfeld has backed Halima from day one, and launched her first girl gaggle photoshoot. Reflecting, Halima shares the experience: “It was for CR Fashion Book. Mario Sorrenti was shooting, there was Gigi [Hadid], Paris Jackson, Candice Swanepoel. I will never forget, Paris was like, ‘Girl, any time you’re in LA, just shoot me a text and we’ll hang out.’ She immediately embraced me and it was the same with Candice. She was like, ‘Don’t ever feel like you need to change yourself.’ “
Gigi Hadid also greeted Halima with open arms. “Yes, it was a Milan show for Alberta Ferretti. She came up to me and said, ‘Welcome to the show. If you need any advice, any tips, just come to me.’ I was freaking out – it’s Gigi! But she is super, super sweet.”
The ELLE interview highlight’s Halima being named with Gigi as new UNICEF ambassadors — all topics AOC has covered previously.
