In conversation with Halima Aden

The international supermodel went from a refugee in Kenya to the international catwalk and became the face of modest fashion

It was at a refugee camp at Kakuma, Kenya, where she was born, that Halima Aden first realised the importance of celebrating diversity. "We celebrated Eid and Christmas at the camp, I even believed in Akuj (the deity of the Turkana tribe)," she remembers. "Everyone just blended and became one in the camp."

Today, 21-year-old Halima has become the face of diversity in fashion, having achieved several milestones as a hijab-wearing model. Not only is she the first hijabi participant of an American beauty pageant (Miss Minnesota USA 2016), she is also the first hijab-wearing model to walk the ramp at an international fashion week and be featured on the cover of British Vogue. With modest fashion trending worldwide, it's safe to say that Halima is its pin-up girl.

The supermodel was in town this week to launch Max Mara Middle East's capsule collection. Face of Rihanna's Fenty Beauty, this is Halima's second trip to Dubai this year, having accompanied the singer and beauty entrepreneur to the city a few weeks ago for a makeup tutorial and beauty talk. "It was really something to have Rihanna do my makeup. I did not wash my face after the session," she says.
As we sit down for a chat, it becomes evident that Halima has not - and will not - allow success to get to her head. That may have something to do with the Somali American model's arduous journey. Born in a refugee camp in Kenya, Halima moved to Minnesota with her family when she was only seven years old. In fact, she chose to wear a hijab because her role model - her mother - would always wear one. The choice came with repercussions. Halima would often find herself being teased in school, but she did not let that affect her too much. It was the same drive that led her to compete in the Miss Minnesota pageant. "Girl," she says, in her impeccable American accent, "A college education is expensive and I wanted that prize money."

At the Miss Minnesota pageant, Halima wore a burkini in the swimsuit round. "I was not scared," she says, "I believe that you have to allow blessings to happen to you." Halima not only went on to come out strongly in that pageant, she made global headlines and inspired several hijab-wearing girls to enter beauty pageants.

Such was the buzz that Carine Roitfeld, the former editor-in-chief of French Vogue, featured Halima in CR Fashion Book, a magazine she now runs. The model was shot by famous photographer Mario Sorrenti. "It was a dream start and I am so thankful," she says. "Everyone has been so understanding, photographers always show me pictures before they print them as they are sensitive to my beliefs." She goes on to emphasise that the fashion industry wants to "hear about other cultures and represent them, and you must give credit where it is due".

This is not mere lip service, gratitude has been an important part of the experience of being Halima Aden. Is she planning to pen a book on it? "You never know," she says with a gleam in her eye. "I think it is when you have no expectations that things happen."

For someone who planned to go to university, study international relations and work for UNICEF, Halima is pretty much an 'accidental model'; in fact, she calls herself so. While some plans have been put into cold storage owing to her soaring popularity, some have been realised - as an ambassador for UNICEF, she has become an advocate for children's rights. "It was thanks to UNICEF that I received an education and it was my ultimate dream to return to my camp and empower children with education by ensuring they have access to smart boards. It's a long-term vision," she says.

What about her own education? Halima hopes to go back to it at some point. "What is more important to me right now is that my story makes other girls from backgrounds like mine realise they have choices," says the supermodel. "For now, I think I am a student in the university of life," she says.
A supermodel's style mantra
. Your fashion go-to piece?
A camel coat by Max Mara. Every girl should have one, it is timeless and classic. A true investment piece.
. A beauty tip?
Never sleep with your makeup on - and never ever forget to use toner.
. Your on-plane beauty regime?
Use a rosewater spray to keep your face hydrated.
. Your biggest indulgence?
Skincare; it is something I do not mind splurging on - but it has to be organic and clean.
. Something you will never wear?
I would never be seen in a pair of Crocs.
. Your biggest style regret?
Blue eyeshadow in the seventh grade. I wish I could burn my school yearbook so no one can see the pictures!
sujata@khaleejtimes.com