First hijab wearing model Halima Aden designs face masks for hijabi frontline workers - GulfToday

First hijab wearing model Halima Aden designs face masks for hijabi frontline workers

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Halima Aden, who is breaking boundaries as the first hijab wearing model poses during a shoot at a studio in New York City. File

American fashion model, Halima Aden has donated her time to create stylish masks for hijab-wearing medical professionals that are working on the front lines of COVID-19.

The modest fashion model says she wanted to make sure hijab-wearing women had a comfortable option for wearing a mask while still keeping their hair covered.

The 22-year-old model has created seven different mask and hijab sets that women can wear comfortably while staying safe.

The masks have been created for short-term use as opposed to 24/7 wear to provide hijab-wearing healthcare workers with something more comfortable to wear given that standard-issue masks don’t account for headscarves and facial coverings.

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Aden is one of several high-profile fashion names to create a series of masks for the project, labelled “Banding Together”.

Hairstylist Chris McMillan and make-up artist Daniel Martin are among those who have also contributed stylish alternative face masks that come with matching headbands.

“Having worked in a hospital, even several months into my modelling career, it was important for me to support this project,” Aden said in a statement, referring to her own experiences of previously working as a hospital cleaner.

“As many hijab-wearing women are working at health care facilities, I wanted to make sure they have a comfortable option for wearing a mask while keeping their hair covered,” she continued.

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“It can also get hot running around at the pace health care employees are right now, so a breathable fabric was a must.

“And I really wanted the pieces to give a feeling of tranquillity and calm, so I went with soft shades that bring a feeling of peace.”

The sets come in pastel shades of blue, lilac and yellow. Additionally, there are sets in grey and green.

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Aden went on to explain how the coronavirus outbreak has disrupted her life.

“Like everyone, my livelihood has been turned upside down,” she said.


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“I just keep reminding myself of something that my mom always says: ‘Hard times don’t last, but strong people do.’”

Halima Aden is noted for being the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, where she was a semi-finalist. Following her participation in the pageant, Halima received national attention and was signed to IMG Models. Aden was born in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya.

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