Halima Aden’s runway debut at New York Fashion Week was a hit.
Kanye West’s fifth Yeezy collection has just debuted at New York Fashion Week, and the rapper-turned-designer is getting some serious recognition for casting hijab-wearing model, Halima Aden.
While Yeezy shows often feature fairly unknown models, West’s decision to debut the 19-year-old Somali-American on the runway has been met with positive reaction.
Those viewing the collection on livestreams and social media congratulated the model for her appearance, while others noted West’s casting call as a move towards greater diversity.
https://twitter.com/therealiman/status/831982110072250369
Big up to Kanye for breaking runaway Rules with hijab wearing model Halima Aden. #NYFW #YeezySeason5 https://t.co/JzT7DzIgd5
— A.a.V Amasi (@ardonis) February 15, 2017
I'm so shook😍🙌, they had a model in a hijab at the yeezy season 5 fashion show. Kanye west true visionary and artist #YeezySeason5
— Forrest.blak (@HarithWils) February 15, 2017
Congratulations Halima Aden, you did it girl. Thanks Kanye. #NYFW #YeezySeason5
— Rukaiyah (@Rukaiyah_D) February 15, 2017
While the show might be Aden’s first catwalk appearance, the model has been making headlines of late. She was the first Hijab-wearing model to be signed by high-profile agency IMG, and in November she appeared in a Miss Minnesota pageant wearing a hijab, and a burkini during the swimsuit portion of the event.
Aden was born in a Kenyan refugee camp and grew up in Minnesota. “I didn’t really have modelling in mind,” she told BoF, “I wanted to spread a positive message about beauty and diversity, and to show other young Muslim women that there is room for them.”
The model’s profile is also set to increase with Aden set to feature in the next issue of Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book, where the model will “represent the diversity of Paris”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQiQTpsg-Xn/
Roitfeld, clearly an advocate for the model, said “Halima is breaking boundaries of beauty and perception by being herself. I find this incredibly inspiring, and I know she will be an icon.”
The issue is due out in March.
