"I didn’t have this career because I had the longest legs or was the prettiest girl. I got here because I had guts and I was never afraid to be first," said model Halima Aden. As the first Muslim woman to walk international runways wearing a hijab, this Somali-American challenged typical modeling expectations and changed the fashion industry's perception.
Born in a refugee camp in Kenya, Aden overcame cultural and language barriers before entering modeling. Her early successes, from being crowned her high school’s first Muslim queen to competing in Miss Minnesota USA wearing a hijab and burkini, quickly caught the attention of model agencies, launching her professional career.
When she signed with the prestigious agency IMG, Aden negotiated the inclusion of her hijab in her contract, showing that a model could succeed in haute couture while staying true to her beliefs. For every shoot, she brings her own outfits and accessories, demonstrating to designers and stylists that a model can combine creativity and authenticity.
As the fashion industry slowly opens up to diversity, Aden’s journey has attracted both criticism and admiration. She refused to let these reactions break her, proving that models can rewrite stereotypes and influence what it means to be represented in fashion.
Today, Halima Aden embodies an inspiring model for young Muslim women and refugees, showing that success in modeling depends not only on appearance but also on authenticity and courage. As a refugee and UNICEF ambassador, she continues to redefine what models and agencies can achieve while inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams without compromise.
