Personal Details :
- Full Name: Halima Aden
- Date of Birth: September 19, 1997
- Age: 27 (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
- Nationality: Somali-American
- Ethnicity: Somali
- Religion: Islam
- Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
- Hair Color: Black (typically covered with hijab)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Languages Spoken: English, Somali
- Education: Attended Apollo High School (St. Cloud, Minnesota); later enrolled at St. Cloud State University
- Family Background: Born to Somali parents in Kenya; moved to the U.S. at age 6 with her mother and brother
- Residence: Based in the United States
- Management: Formerly signed with IMG Models
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @halima
- Twitter/X: /halima
- Modanisa Collaboration: Featured regularly on the Modanisa Instagram page as a global ambassador and designer of her exclusive “Halima x Modanisa” turbans & scarves line since 2019 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Career Overview :
Halima Aden first gained attention in 2016 when she became the first contestant to wear a hijab and a burkini in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. Her bold presence and confidence helped her reach the semi-finals, sparking global interest.
In 2017, she signed with IMG Models and made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week for Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 5. She later walked in shows in Milan and London, including Max Mara and Alberta Ferretti.
Halima broke further barriers by becoming the first hijab-wearing model to appear on the covers of major fashion magazines, including Vogue Arabia, Allure, and British Vogue. In 2019, she was also the first model to wear a hijab and burkini in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
She appeared in campaigns for brands like American Eagle and Fenty Beauty and has been featured in editorials across top fashion publications. Halima has consistently used her platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote modest fashion.
Beyond modeling, she served as a UNICEF Ambassador and was appointed as Diversity Editor-at-Large for Vogue Arabia, where she wrote on topics such as inclusion and cultural identity.
She also collaborated with the modest fashion brand Modanisa to launch her own line of hijabs and turbans. In a move to align her career more closely with her personal beliefs, Halima stepped away from runway modeling in 2020. She later returned with a focus on designing and advocating for authentic representation in fashion.
Personal Life & Interests :
Halima Aden was born in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya to Somali parents and moved to the United States at the age of six. She was raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where she attended Apollo High School and later enrolled at St. Cloud State University.
She is a practicing Muslim and has always been vocal about her commitment to her faith, which she incorporates into both her personal and professional life. Halima has credited her upbringing and cultural identity as the foundation of her strength and confidence.
Outside of modeling, Halima is passionate about humanitarian work. As a former UNICEF Ambassador, she focused on youth empowerment, education, and refugee rights. She often speaks at global events advocating for better representation and inclusivity.
She enjoys fashion design and has collaborated with brands to create modest clothing that reflects her values. She is also interested in public speaking, cultural activism, and travel, often using her platform to inspire young women from underrepresented communities.
Halima has expressed that maintaining her identity and integrity is more important than fame, which led her to step back from certain modeling work to better align with her beliefs. She continues to be a role model for modest fashion and religious representation in mainstream media.
Net Worth :
As of 2025, Halima Aden’s estimated net worth is in the range of $5 million to $8 million. Multiple sources, including PeopleAi and Net Worth Spot, value her at approximately $7.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
Her wealth is built on a diverse portfolio of income streams:
- Modeling & Editorial Campaigns: Major runway appearances for Yeezy, Max Mara, and Alberta Ferretti; editorial covers for Vogue Arabia, Allure, British Vogue, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
- Brand Ambassadorship & Design: Partnerships include Vogue Arabia, Modanisa (her own hijab and turban collection), and the role of “Chief Coconut Officer” with Vita Coco.
- Advocacy & Editorial Leadership: UNICEF ambassador and Diversity Editor-at-Large for Vogue Arabia.
Her estimated social media earnings are modest, with sponsorship rates typically in the low thousands per post, around $2–$5 K based on her 1.1 million Instagram followers.
Overall, Halima Aden’s financial profile reflects her high-earning modeling contracts, entrepreneurial ventures, strategic brand partnerships, and influential roles in advocacy and media.
Awards & Achievements :
Miss Minnesota USA Semifinalist (2016): Made history as the first contestant to compete wearing a hijab and burkini.
Historic Magazine Covers (2017–2019): Became the first hijab-wearing model featured on covers of Vogue Arabia, Allure, and British Vogue, and appeared in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue wearing a hijab and burkini.
Runway Milestones: Walked for prestigious designers including Kanye West’s Yeezy, Max Mara, and Alberta Ferretti after signing with IMG Models.
Unicef Ambassador: Appointed in 2018, advocating for refugee rights and youth empowerment around the world.
Vogue Arabia Diversity Editor-at-Large (2020): Contributed monthly editorial pieces focused on inclusion, identity, and cultural dialogue.
Modest Fashion Designer: Launched “Halima x Modanisa,” creating hijabs and turbans reflecting her style and cultural identity.
Sustainability Ambassador: Partnered with Vita Coco as its “Chief Coconut Officer,” promoting sustainable coconut farming.
Fun Facts :
Halima Aden was born in a refugee camp in Kenya and moved to the U.S. at the age of six, later becoming one of the world’s most recognizable Muslim models.
She made history by being the first woman to wear a hijab and burkini in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant and in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Despite international fame, she took a break from modeling in 2020 to realign her career with her religious and personal values.
She launched her own modest fashion line in collaboration with Modanisa, including hijabs and turbans designed to reflect her cultural identity.
Halima is fluent in both English and Somali and is a passionate advocate for refugees, education, and youth empowerment.
She enjoys journaling, traveling, and has a strong interest in interfaith dialogue and women’s rights activism.