JEDDAH: In a celebration of diversity, renowned brand American Eagle features a hijab-wearing model to mark its summer 2017 collection.
Halima Aden, a Somali American, made headlines last winter for being the first hijab-wearing model on New York and Milan runways.
She was also the first ever Somali American to compete and become a semifinalist in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.
“She caught our attention at 2016’s Miss Minnesota USA, where she competed in a burkini and hijab,” the American retailer tweeted.
The ad is a part of the brand’s back-to-school collection 2017.
“I’m very proud to be in this campaign and to support its message of inclusivity and empowerment,” Aden said.
“I have always loved the brand’s work to encourage today’s youth to express themselves, and it is important to me to be a part of something that shows diversity expressed through many backgrounds and personal styles.”
The 19-year-old was on Vogue Arabia’s cover last month.
“That surreal & dreamlike feeling the moment you see yourself on the cover of Vogue Arabia cannot be explained!” Aden tweeted.
The world-famous IMG Models agency signed her as the first hijab-wearing model earlier this year after she caught its attention for wearing a burkini during the swimsuit competition of 2016’s Miss Minnesota.
