Halima Aden just made modeling history. As you probably know, Sports Illustrated has been doing an annual Swimsuit Issue since 1964, elevating the careers of Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks, among other big names. Wisely, the magazine has made efforts to keep up with the times. In 2016, for instance, the Swimsuit Issue made Ashley Graham its cover girl, smashing the notion that only one body type can look amazing in a bikini.
Now, model and activist Halima Aden has become the first model to wear a hijab and a burkini for the iconic issue. Photographed in her home country of Kenya, Aden wore custom-made burkinis, including one designed by Cynthia Rowley. "Having Halima as a part of SI Swimsuit Issue is yet another example of the range and scope of the type of beauty that exists," Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue editor MJ Day said in a press release. "Her participation and inclusion further highlights the brands 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."
Designer Cynthia Rowley is equally enamored with Aden. "Thinking about design with a global mindset is very important to our brand so contributing to this iconic moment in history is truly a dream come true,” Rowley said in a statement. Scroll down to preview the beautiful photos.
Halima Aden's Other Major Modeling Moments
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