Somali-American hijabi model Halima Aden is possibly leaving the fashion industry. In an Instagram post, the model announced that she has started wearing the niqab. It is also presumed that she has decided to no longer work in fashion. She will also be stepping away from social media, as her Instagram post states that her account will now serve as an archive.
Although shocking, this hasn’t been the first time Aden has retreated from fashion. In 2020, the model retired from runway modelling, citing how the industry forced her to compromise her spiritual beliefs. After three years, she made a return to fashion, choosing to work with modesty-focused fashion events.
Ever since Halima Aden stepped into the scene, she has been a groundbreaker in the fashion industry. In 2016, she competed in the Miss Minnesota USA Pageant, gaining national recognition as the only contestant to wear her hijab throughout the competition. Following the pageant, Aden became the first hijabi model to walk international runways and numerous fashion weeks. She has also been outspoken on her faith, modest fashion, and the importance of Muslim representation.
The account now has a total of 85 posts and her last post states “I’m no longer performing. I’m no longer persuading. I belong to Allah. This account is now an archive. Niqab on. Voice off. May He be pleased.”
