Sports Illustrated announced their newest member of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit family, Halima Aden.
The 21-year-old former Miss Minnesota USA semi-finalist is making history as the first Muslim model to wear a hijab and burkini in the magazine.
This year's issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit features Halima Aden, the first model to wear a hijab and burkini, in honor of the issue's theme of 'shattering perceptions.' https://t.co/ptnAhrSZSN pic.twitter.com/M5lah0mvHS
— E! Insider (@einsider) April 29, 2019
Aden shoot seems to be one of many to come that will reflect the issue’s theme of “shattering perceptions” as they try to redefine traditional standards of beauty and highlight underrepresented women. According to the magazine, they plan to use the theme to showcase a “diverse sisterhood of women”.
“Having Halima as a part of SI Swimsuit is yet another example of the range and scope of the type of beauty that exists,” SI Swimsuit Editor MJ Day said in a statement. “Her participation and inclusion further highlight the brand’s commitment and belief in supporting women to own who they are and what makes them unique and ultimately reaffirms what our messaging has been, that YOU are worthy.”
The model said in a statement, “this feature is proving that a fully covered hijab wearing model can confidently stand alongside a beautiful woman in a revealing bikini and together they can celebrate one another, cheer each other on, and champion each other’s successes.”
Aden has been making her rounds from being featured on British Vogue to walking on New York Fashion Week runways, proving that there is a place for modest Muslim women in the fashion industry.
Aden’s pictures will be featured in the 2019 issue set to release on the May 8th.
