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Halima Aden, Muslim, Refugee-Born Model Makes A Stunning NYFW Debut

Pay attention, 'cause Halima Aden's just getting started.

All hail the gorgeous Halima Aden.

The 19-year-old Somali-American model made her New York Fashion week debut on Wednesday wearing a hijab on the Yeezy Season 5 runway.

#yeezy #nyfw2017 ✊🏿✊✊🏻

A post shared by Halima Aden (@kinglimaa) on

But while the stunning Aden pretty much stole the show, it's the visibility she's trying to create for Muslim women that makes her a star to watch.

Born in a Kenyan refugee camp and later relocating to Minnesota, the fashionista made headlines last year when she competed in Minnesota’s Miss USA competition proudly rocking a hijab and a burkini for the swimsuit portion of the show.

And although she is now working as a model, her vision is more focused on the bigger picture of shifting fashion's typical beauty ideals.

“I didn’t really have modelling in mind," Aden shared with Business of Fashion on Wednesday. "I wanted to spread a positive message about beauty and diversity, and to show other young Muslim women that there is room for them."

It seems as though staying true to herself and her faith has paid off — as she just signed a major contract with IMG models.

"I found that she was just so brave to stick to what she really believed in and yet go after the American dream of being in a beauty contest," IMG president Ivan Bart told BOF.

@crfashionbook family ❤️ Shot by the one and only , the ICONIC @mario_sorrenti 💞

A post shared by Halima Aden (@kinglimaa) on

Aden recently shared her advice for other women who are looking to break the mould in fashion with Vogue.

“Always stay true to who you are," she told the fashion pub. "Barriers can and will be broken!”

So inspiring!

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