IMG Models signed hijab-wearing model Halima Aden in 2016. The agency currently also represents the likes of Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Chanel Iman. Talking to Business of Fashion the president of IMG Models revealed that model diversity is a priority: “By representing Halima, I would hope that the next 10-year-old girl wearing her hijab right now will feel included in the experience of fashion, and know that she could do that too,” says Ivan Bart.
The Somali-American model made history in November by becoming the first hijab-wearing woman to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. The 20-year-old also broke grounds when she donned a burkini in the swimsuit category of the competition.
Aden made her runway debut during New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 by walking in Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 5 show that took place at Pier 59 Studios. The rapper is known for scouting a diverse cast of models in a multitude of backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages.
Above, all of her runway moments.
