Model Crush Monday – Breakout Star Halima Aden

It happens once in a very blue moon: lightening strikes, the earth quakes, and a unicorn appears, throwing the fashion world into a frenzy.  The Fall 2017 Fashion week season has been tumultuous to say the least, with accusations of model abuse and lack of diversity, but just when you think there are no positive fashion-world headlines coming forth, a unicorn does indeed appear and this one has grabbed the attention of people around the world, not just in fashion circles.  Her name is Halima Aden, the first hijab-wearing model to be signed by IMG after groundbreaking turns on the runways of Yeezy, Max Mara, and Alberta Ferretti, hijab and all. 

Born into a refugee camp and immigrating to the US at age six, the 19 year old Somali-American has a personal mission to put forth positive role model images of Muslim women and dreams of a future helping women and children just as she was helped as a child.  Her first breakout moment was competing in the Miss Minnesota pageant wearing her hijab and a burkini for the swimsuit competition, after which she received accolades for her positive portrayal of a Muslim woman in a political atmosphere that doesn’t support such a mission. 

Halima is more than her hijab or a Muslim, and is, in fact, a stunning beauty being championed by Carine Roitfeld of CR Fashion Book, landing on the cover photographed by Mario Sorrenti.  Supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, and fellow Somali-born supermodel Iman are cheering her on, as are editors and designers.  

Diversity and inclusiveness in the fashion world are so rare that Halima is forcing the door wide open for models of other races not represented in the industry.  And she is doing it with heart, enthusiasm, a gorgeous braces-wearing smile, and most importantly, a voice.  Halima’s journey is important for many reasons. Teen Muslim girls will see there are new opportunities for them to shine and to see Muslim women presented in media in a positive way.  Hopefully, Halima and other beautiful exotic women of all races will begin to break down barriers in the fashion industry for a more accurate reflection of the world, making it the colorful and original industry it claims to be. 

                                                             XOXO Shelley

#Halima Aden #first hijab-wearing model signed to IMG #hijabs on the runway #Muslim fashion models #Fashion Week Fall 2017 breakout models #facethis.blogspot.com  #Shelley Goodstein