Ugbad A bdi,
Somalia, United States
Abdi’s modeling debut converged with a
particularly memorable moment in fashion
in January of last year, when the Somali-
born teenager from Iowa was among the
43 black models celebrated in Pierpaolo
Piccioli’s landmark spring 2019 couture
collection for Valentino, sweeping onto the
runway in a cloud of tulle moments before
Naomi Campbell closed the show. This
month, as the first hijab-wearing model to
appear on the cover of American Vogue,
she is making history again. Abdi, 19, hopes
her visibility will help dispel misconceptions
about Muslim women that continue to be
perpetuated in the West. “I’m still finding
my voice,” says the model. “But I love
when people ask me questions about the
hijab, as I feel like it’s my responsibility
to educate them.” (Abdi made a personal
choice to commit to the Islamic veil when
she was 14.) “When I read Instagram
messages from young girls saying how
inspired they are, I’m reminded that this
is not about me—it’s bigger than me.”
Alanui dress. Jewels necklaces. Prada bag.
singke
(singke)
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