Intisar Abdul-Kader, Stine Goya Spring 2024. Photo: Courtesy Stine Goya
Danish responsible fashion brand Stine Goya invited hijabi athlete Intisar Abdul-Kader to walk her first Copenhagen Fashion Week show yesterday. The new model is a long-distance runner based in London. The show—centered on the idea of home—used the designer Stine Goya’s own residential Copenhagen street, as its runway. Goya featured her now signature diverse casting, with models of all backgrounds, sizes, and ages to walk the show—with none other than Danish supermodel Helena Christensen closing it. “‘Homecoming’ is an invitation to cherish the meaning of home in all its facets—a physical shelter and a heartfelt emotional connection,” stated the designer, who seamlessly transmitted her brand identity to Morocco for her recent Ramadan capsule.
For Abdul-Kader, the fashion opportunity gives her a platform to offer visibility to her latest venture, All-4-1 Running Crew, a running collective established in July for all runners and all bodies. “It’s a safe space for all,” states Abdul-Kader. My aim is to create a safe environment for hijab wearing runners and this has motivated me to qualify as a running coach and start my own running community.”
Intisar Abdul-Kader, Stine Goya Spring 2024. Courtesy Stine Goya
The runner, whose parents are of mixed ethnicity—Somaliland, Yemen, Sudan, and Ethiopia—moved to Abu Dhabi in the 80s. “I grew up on a petroleum living complex belonging to ADNOC till my teens as my dad worked as a specialist there,” she recalls. Alluding to another place that served as home to her, she adds that Umm Al Nar Complex was a five-minute drive from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
“The UAE was my first feeling of home and belonging; it’s still home,” says Abdul-Kader. “It was also the place where I discovered my love for running and the start of my journey. I joined the mixed 400m relay in school and never looked back.” Abdul-Kader, who has transitioned to running long distances versus the track, shares what keeps her running: “It’s the love of the sport and testing my body’s capabilities in running marathons and beating my times in every race I enter. But also, the representation. Running as a hijab-wearing, Muslim athlete is empowering for myself and I hope I get to inspire the next young person to run too. There is room for everybody in this beautiful sport and that includes hijab wearing athletes.”
Intisar Abdul-Kader, Stine Goya Spring 2024. Courtesy Stine Goya
For long-time followers of the brand, this collection will feel like a departure: colors (apart from varying degrees of pink) and prints are muted; instead there is an emphasis on a streamlined silhouette and embellishment, with several pieces featuring pearl details. Goya, however, explains that it’s reflective of a full-circle approach. “I am always looking forward. Working on the next collection and seeking inspiration from around me. I rarely take the time to reflect on our journey as a brand. For spring/summer 2024 I felt the overwhelming urge to do just that. Taking a moment to look back on our development and delve into some of my early styling references which really did feel like a homecoming. And while it started with reflection, this collection feels modern and fresh. I naturally always lean into my love for color and print however, it has been amazing to really explore more intricate details and finishing touches, looking at print with a more subtle approach, whilst staying true to our DNA.”
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