Modestly & Style

Changing the way the world sees the fashion industry, HALIMA ADEN is the first Hijab wearing model and has been breaking stereotypical barriers ever since. Our local editor ANUSHAY KHAN delved behind-the-scenes to discover more in our exclusive interview with Halima herself

How important was it to be able to represent yourself as the first model to wear a hijab?

It was so exciting but you have to realise that being the first is never easy. There were a lot of questions that popped into my mind like; what is it going to look like? What is a hijab wearing model? It is so hard to see yourself as that person, especially if you have never seen that representation. So, for me it was a lot of learning and paving the way for the next generation of girls to enter the industry. I want them to feel that if I can wear a hijab and still be in Vogue, they can definitely feel like they can enter the industry too.

How was it like to be on the cover of magazines such as Sports Illustrated and Vogue?

I did Miss USA in 2016 wearing a burkini and for me it was a moment of feeling like my life was coming together, it’s a full circle moment because my entire career was launched off with me wearing a hijab and a burkini.

For my first ever photoshoot, before I did Vogue, I did a CR fashion book which was shot by Mario Sorrenti. At that time, I did not know a whole lot about photographers or the fashion world in general so I wasn’t really nervous about it since I did not know what a big of a deal it was. Although, after Vogue Arabia, which was my first ever Vogue shoot, I could not believe that I was a Vogue cover girl. That was something that maybe you would hear on America’s Next Top Model and it just sounded like something so unattainable. I was floored when I found out. One of my favourite memories would have to be on the British Vogue set where there were nine girls who were the ‘new faces of fashion’. When we got to talking to another model, Adut Akech and a conversation of camel milk got deeper and we found out that she was from the city that I was born in, and even the same refugee camp. We had an entire Parent Trap moment there and then! How amazing was that? Two girls to be born in the same refugee camp in Kenya reunited for the first time on the cover of British Vogue. For me that represents hope.

Shooting for Sports Illustrated, a magazine that is so iconic, which features models like Tyra Banks, Chrissy Teigen, Christie Brinkley – all iconic women have graced the cover. In 2016 Ashley Graham was the first plus size model to be on the cover as well and this just started to show the change in the fashion world that represented beauty goes beyond size and age. So, I could not believe that I was going to be featured alongside these incredible women who I have looked up to. A lot of these women are mothers and high fashion magazines have been featuring a diverse group of women for a very long time. I was so honoured to be able to just shoot and then to be able to wear hijab and burkini as well.

Since you’re a modest fashion model, which trend in the industry in your personal favourite?

Winter and Fall are my favourite seasons since you can simply layer them up! For me, it is not just about being a model who wants to cover up, I want to be intentional about what I wear and let my personality come out through my style. I’ve picked up so many tips and tricks from the stylists and photographers that we’ve worked with and right now I absolutely love the hat-trend and the collar. I recently did a shoot where I was wearing a cowboy suit with a clip-on collar – it was fantastic. I want to do more of this type of look that just blends in naturally with the entire outfit.

As a model, it is not just about the fashion shoots for you since you’re always in the public eye and people are noticing the clothes that you wear. Is it difficult to find designs internationally that complement your style?

Abayas are the key to that look. No matter how big I get in my career or how much I love fashion, abaya is a staple modest piece, especially for Muslim women. I sometimes pair it with a belt and get an instant stylish look, but again, that is more of a commodity for me since I grew up with it, my mom owns ten of them, and every time I go home, I am always in an abaya. Fashion is one of the things that you just have to play with. I have always tested with loose looks and layers since I am not comfortable in tight clothes.

“For me, it was a lot of learning and paving the way for the next generation.”

How does it feel like to be a part of Heya Exhibition that represents modest fashion and do you feel like the world needs more exhibitions like this?

I just had to be a part of this exhibition for this reason. I feel like modest fashion stood the test of time and has always been around and it will stay. I do not feel like it is exclusive to just Muslim women in The Middle East. I would be able to carry any of these pieces worldwide and I wanted to be more accessible to everybody. I like styles that are exclusive to all women and that is why being a part of this exhibition is important and I didn’t just want to come for the show, I also wanted to talk because I wanted to share my story too. I have a lot of girls here who follow me and a lot of the designers from different parts of the world are here today and I just wanted to be a part of that.

@halima / @heya.qa

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