Home » Beauty

Halima Aden: Redefining Fashion and Muslim Representation

From refugee camp to runway star, Halima Aden inspires a new era for diversity, tradition, and true self-expression in global fashion.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 3, 2025

From refugee camp to runway star, Halima Aden inspires a new era for diversity, tradition, and true self-expression in global fashion.

Halima Aden has rapidly become a leading icon in the world of fashion, known not just for her stunning runway presence but for how she has challenged and expanded notions of beauty, faith, and representation. From her origins in a refugee camp to gracing the covers of prestigious magazines and striding down the world’s most exclusive runways in her hijab and burkini, Aden represents a new face of inclusivity and empowerment in fashion.

Breaking Boundaries: A Hijabi Model in the Spotlight

Halima Aden made international headlines as the first hijab-wearing Muslim to compete in a Miss USA pageant—notably donning a burkini for the swimwear segment. Her journey defies conventional beauty standards and demonstrates the rich diversity found within the Muslim community and beyond. Her presence in high-profile fashion campaigns and runways is seen as groundbreaking, offering visibility to Muslim women who rarely saw themselves reflected in mainstream media or fashion.

First hijabi and burkini-wearing contestant in a major U.S. beauty pageant.
Signed with one of the world’s top agencies, IMG Models, soon after her debut.
Appeared on the covers of leading fashion publications and walked in global fashion weeks.

The Power of Representation

For Aden, entering the world of pageantry and fashion was never just about personal success: it was a mission to broaden possibilities for underrepresented communities. Growing up in Minnesota after spending her early years in a Kenyan refugee camp, Aden felt a lack of relatable figures on television, in magazines, and across media. Her ambition became clear — she wanted to help change the narrative for Muslim women in America and globally.

“I wanted young girls who look like me to find someone they could relate to in the media. If I didn’t see that representation, I knew I had to be it,” Aden explained in interviews. This motivation resonated far beyond just Muslim women; her story has become a beacon for anyone who wrestles with feeling unseen or unheard due to their looks, identity, or background.

Voices of Connection

Aden describes how her platform has created connections with people of all backgrounds dealing with issues of identity, discrimination, and self-expression. Many have reached out to share their struggles, whether they relate to wearing the hijab, facing racial bias, or existing in male-dominated industries. Aden treasures these stories, believing her visibility helps break isolation and creates space for more diverse voices to be heard.

Experiencing Fashion, Holding True to Faith

In an industry notorious for pressure and conformity, Halima Aden stands firm in her beliefs. Fashion insiders and designers have accommodated her requirements, ensuring she feels comfortable and respected as a Muslim. “I have not had any pressure to be anything but myself. The industry has been very accepting of my faith and my strict wardrobe requirements,” Aden shared. This mutual respect highlights how the fashion industry can adapt — and thrive — by embracing diverse identities rather than forcing assimilation.

Major fashion houses have designed custom looks to honor her values.
IMG Models and hosting brands consider her needs regarding backstage privacy, modest styling, and prayer times.

“I’m proud to be Somali, I’m proud to be American, but at the end of the day, I’m still Halima — and I take things from both sides. I make my own category. I’m me!” Aden says, describing her ability to blend tradition and modernity without letting stereotypes define her.

Staying Grounded Amidst Rising Fame

Despite a whirlwind rise that has taken her from local competitions to international stardom, Halima remains incredibly grounded. Often, she’s asked whether she’s ever wanted things to slow down—her response: she hopes the momentum only continues. “Every day is different, and it’s starting to feel like I can actually do this as a career,” she remarks. Aden credits her ability to enjoy the ride to the support of her family, her personal glam squad, and her focus on staying true to who she is, both inside and out.

For Aden, the perks of the fashion world — travel, makeup, meeting celebrities — are exciting, but what matters most is the growing sense of self-belief and the impact she is making. “It just makes me feel like a princess. For me, it’s perfect right now.”

Challenging Stereotypes: Creating New Beauty Standards

Halima Aden’s career is rooted in the belief that beauty is diverse and multifaceted. She refuses to let her hijab be seen as a limitation. “Muslim, hijab-wearing models are no different to the other models on the runway or on set, they’re really no different besides an article of clothing,” she emphasizes. Her visibility challenges the idea that hijab is an obstacle, instead positioning it as a form of personal and creative expression.

First model to wear a burkini and hijab on the cover of major fashion magazines.
Regularly speaks out about the importance of modest fashion and diverse representation.
Advocates for more inclusive casting and styling within the industry.

Aden’s journey has paved the way for other modest fashion advocates and shown industry insiders that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a genuine opportunity for creativity and community building.

A Voice for Social Change and Empowerment

As someone who received global attention in a charged social and political atmosphere, Aden has used her visibility for advocacy. She calls for leaders to open their hearts and learn from new perspectives, drawing from her own experiences to call for kindness, empathy, and respect. In the wake of growing anti-Muslim rhetoric, especially in Western contexts, Aden’s presence in the public eye serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and openness.

Supports initiatives for refugee education and rights, drawing on her own childhood in a refugee camp.
Participates in events encouraging young people to engage in dialogue across cultures.
Consistently uses her social media and interviews to challenge prejudice and inspire hope.

Personal Philosophy: Confidence, Belonging, and Authenticity

Aden’s life philosophy centers on self-love, confidence, and the courage to belong. She urges young people—especially girls and women—to pull up a chair where they aren’t represented, and to invite others along with them. “If you don’t see yourself represented in any space, pull up a chair and then invite your friends, invite your sisters, invite other women.” Her example reminds many that transformative change begins with individual bravery supported by community.

“Don’t change yourself, change the game… I want the girls to know, Halima took one for the team… I really hope if I did anything the last four years, it’s to give models the opportunity to know that they can speak up.”

Halima Aden’s Lasting Impact

It’s evident that Halima Aden’s passion for representation, authenticity, and empowerment goes far beyond fashion. Her story is already a legacy, encouraging girls worldwide to see strength in difference and to stand up for their identities. Whether as a judge for a pageant, a model on the runway, or a speaker addressing global issues, Aden’s approach has shifted what’s possible in both fashion and cultural representation.

Aspect	Halima Aden’s Impact
Fashion Industry	Diversified beauty standards; inspired inclusive designs and casting.
Muslim Representation	Offered positive, nuanced visibility for Muslim women in mainstream media.
Youth Empowerment	Encouraged young people to embrace their whole selves and build confidence.
Advocacy	Highlighted refugee issues and the importance of compassionate global citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How did Halima Aden first enter the spotlight?

A: Halima Aden gained public attention as the first hijab-wearing contestant in Miss Minnesota USA, making history by wearing a burkini during the swimwear round and later signing with IMG Models.

Q: What does Halima Aden say about faith and fashion?

A: Aden emphasizes that she has never been pressured to compromise her Muslim faith by the industry and that designers have, for the most part, supported her commitment to modest dress and provided appropriate accommodations at shows.

Q: What impact has Aden had on Muslim representation?

A: Halima Aden has broadened representation for Muslim women in fashion, acting as a role model who challenges stereotypes and encourages others to take up space in industries where they may not see themselves reflected.

Q: Has Halima Aden faced challenges due to her identity?

A: While Aden has received industry support, she has spoken about navigating stereotypes and the need for greater inclusivity — both for Muslims and for anyone who feels marginalized by mainstream standards.

Q: What advice does Halima Aden give to young people?

A: She encourages confidence, authenticity, and self-advocacy, urging others not to change themselves to fit in but to reshape the environment wherever possible.

Key Takeaways: Halima Aden’s Messages to the World

Authenticity matters: Aden’s success is rooted in her unwillingness to conform or compromise her values for the sake of acceptance.
Diversity is strength: The fashion world thrives when it includes voices and faces from all backgrounds and belief systems.
Representation inspires: Seeing relatable role models in the public eye empowers young people to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Kindness and advocacy: Aden uses her platform to call for empathy and positive change, both inside and outside the runway spotlight.

Halima Aden’s journey illustrates the possibility of harmonizing tradition and ambition, and her influence continues to foster new visions for what modern fashion — and society — can be.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb