Controversial Somali Supermodel Halima Aden Quits Fashion Industry, But Wants To Participate In Miss Universe?

Will it be a controversy? Somali supermodel Halima Aden, who has previously judged in the Miss USA pageant and walked the runway of famous women's fashion brand Sherri Hill, has reportedly declared she is quitting the fashion industry to embrace her faith. Now, media reports are saying she is looking at participating in the Miss Universe pageant and representing her country.

Last week, the 23-year-old Kenya-born international supermodel posted a series of Stories on Instagram, detailing the challenges she has faced in what she termed as the "toxic mess called fashion." She added how she would skip prayers to commit to the work, wear clothes she is not comfortable with, and styling her hijab in certain ways she felt are betraying her values. 

Halima Aden wrote, "They could call me tomorrow and not even for $10 million would I ever risk compromising my hijab ever again."

She said she will never take part in runway shows or travel for fashion again, saying "that's where all the bad energy came from."  

Prior to her decision, Halima Aden has been a successful model, and was even named the first model to wear a hijab and burkini in a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She has collaborated with artists like Rihanna, and is also the first hijab-wearing woman to get featured on the cover of British Vogue, and is also the first group hijabi cover of Vogue Arabia. 

Things have even gotten more complicated when she announced her participation in the Miss Universe pageant. She is looking at becoming the first representative of Somalia to the world's most prestigious beauty pageant. Does this oppose her decision not to participate in runways anymore? The fans would have their insights. 

A Trending pageant page on Facebook, Sash Factor released their statement on the news. They wrote, "Halima Aden's announcement of joining Miss Universe sent shockwaves to the pageant world. Already a judge for Miss USA 2017, signed IMG model with Sherri Hill campaigns, and a well known humanitarian and an activist. So what do you say?"

"Remember, I had no one before me paving the way so mistakes are part of the learning experience. I did good, but that isn't enough. We gotta have these conversations in order to change the system truly," Halima Aden further said.