Muslims to Follow: Halima Aden
The First Hijabi Supermodel Who Changed the Game
When Halima Aden walked the runway at New York Fashion Week in 2017, she didn’t just strut – she shattered barriers. The first hijab-wearing model to sign with a major agency, Aden became a global sensation, gracing the covers of Vogue, Elle, and Sports Illustrated while staying true to her faith.
But her journey took an unexpected turn when she walked away from the fashion industry at the height of her success.
Why?
Because she refused to compromise her hijab. In a world where modesty and high fashion often clash, Halima Aden made history by saying no – and that’s exactly why you should be following her.
Why Follow Halima Aden?
A Symbol of Representation in the Fashion Industry
Before Halima, the fashion industry rarely made space for visibly Muslim women. Then came a Somali-American refugee who competed in a U.S. beauty pageant wearing a burkini. That bold statement wasn’t just about winning a crown – it was about proving that modesty and fashion can coexist. Her rise to fame opened doors for countless Muslim women and challenged industry norms.
If you care about representation, inclusivity, and unapologetic self-expression, Halima’s story is one you need to follow.
Covering can be a challenge, even for the men.
For example, shorts that extend to the knee are a must for Muslim men but we find very few following the rule in the Gym. Send our Knee Length Shorts blog to someone who needs to read it.
Walking Away from Fashion – For Her Faith
At a time when many would have chosen fame over faith, Halima did the opposite.
In 2020, she publicly announced her departure from mainstream modelling, citing the industry’s pressure to compromise her beliefs. She shared behind-the-scenes struggles, revealing how stylists often replaced her hijab with makeshift wraps or styled her in ways that felt inauthentic.
Instead of bending, she walked away. That kind of integrity is rare and incredibly inspiring.
Halima speaks about why she left the fashion world.
Halima Aden Using Her Platform for Good
Halima didn’t just disappear after leaving the runway.
She shifted gears, using her influence to advocate for refugee rights, modest fashion, and self-empowerment.
As a UNICEF ambassador, she actively supports displaced communities, drawing from her own experience growing up in a Kenyan refugee camp. She’s also collaborated with modest fashion brands to create hijabs that allow Muslim women to embrace both faith and fashion on their terms.
The Future of Modest Fashion and Representation
Halima Aden isn’t just a model; she’s a movement. Whether she’s advocating for young Muslim girls to feel beautiful in their hijabs or proving that success doesn’t have to mean sacrifice, her influence continues to grow. She represents a new era of unapologetic Muslim identity in the West – one where faith and ambition go hand in hand.
If you’re not already following her, now’s the time. Halima is a reminder that you don’t have to change who you are to succeed—you just have to change the game.
Follow Halima Aden:
Instagram: @halima
Twitter: @Kinglimaa
UNICEF Advocacy Work: UNICEF Halima Aden
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