British Vogue features its first hijab-adorned model in 102 years

In its 102 years of publication, the May 2018 issue of British Vogue will feature, for the first time, a hijab-wearing model on its cover – 20-year-old Halima Aden.  Themed “New Frontiers”, it will also include models Adut Akech, Radhika Nair, Yoon Young Bae, Faretta, Fran Summers, Vittoria Ceretti, Paloma Elsesser and Selena Forrest.

“Like so many industries in recent months, fashion has found itself at an important crossroads. At the world’s great design houses, at photographic studios, at fashion weeks and in the offices of magazines such as mine at #BritishVogue, crucial questions have been asked about working practices, safety and respect. Stock has been taken and safeguards to the way we operate have been made…” editor-in-chief @Edward_Enninful writes in his editor’s letter for May Vogue. “Yet as a new mood begins to take hold – one that will only enrich and enliven creativity in fashion – I also believe that the time has come for us to look forward. In short, it is a moment for Vogue to do what it has always done best: to offer a bold vision of what the future can – and should – look like.” For the May issue, nine models each changing the face of the fashion industry in their own way are photographed by @CraigMcDeanStudio with styling by Enninful for the cover story. From L to R: @vittoceretti, @Halima, @adutakech, @LaFaretta, @Palomija, @Pazhatu, @mulan_bae, @fransummers and @selenaforrest. Story by @ellie_pithers, make-up by @diane.kendal, hair by @orlandopita and nails by @megumiyamamotonyc. On newsstands April 6. Read Enninful’s letter in full, plus how to subscribe to #NewVogue all at the link in bio

A post shared by British Vogue (@britishvogue) on Mar 30, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

In 2002, Naomi Campbell became the first black model to grace the covers of what some dub the “UK fashion bible.” Followed by Jordan Dunn in 2015 and Rihanna in 2016.  In 2017, British/Ghanaian model and activist Adwoa Aboah also appeared on the cover of the iconic magazine.

After 102 years we finally made it sis ??❤ pic.twitter.com/xF62aaE0cH

— Halima Aden (@Kinglimaa) April 1, 2018

Ghanaian-born Edward Enninful became the first black editor in the publication’s history when he was appointed the editor-in-chief o in 2017.

“It is a moment for Vogue to do what it has always done best: to offer a bold vision of what the future can – and should – look like, Even five years ago – and certainly 10 or 20 years ago – if you were shooting a group cover like this, the girls would not have looked like these young women do,” Enninful commented.

Halima Aden

Born in 1997 in a Kenyan refugee camp, Aden relocated with her family to St. Cloud, Minnesota.  In 2016, she made massive headlines by competing in the Miss Minnesota USA and modelling in burkini – a modest swimsuit for women and a hijab – a scarf adorning the head.  In 2017, Aden signed a three-year modelling contract with IMG models and has since appeared on the cover of Allure, Vogue Arabia, American Eagle, and British Glamour. She has also runway modeled for Maxmara and Alberta Ferretti