Halima Aden Makes History As The First Burkini Model In Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
This upcoming Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2019 Issue will make history thanks to supermodel Halima Aden, age 21. Aden will wear a burkini, a full-body swimsuit worn by Muslim women.
This isn't the first famous entry by Aden. In 2004, Aden became the first hijab-wearing model on the cover of Teen Vogue. She's also been a UNICEF ambassador since 2018, aiming to combine fashion with activism by breaking down stereotypes.
In her interview with "Good Morning America," Aden said, "Sports Illustrated is proving that a girl that's wearing a bikini could be right alongside a girl that's wearing a burkini. And as women, we can come alongside each other and be each other's biggest cheerleaders."
The shoot took place in Kenya, Aden's birth country. Aden said that the crew became emotional during the historic moment. It was also Aden's first shoot in a bathing suit. She told "GMA"'s Janai Norman, "I felt like I was Beyoncé in that water, sis. It was incredible."
You can see all of Aden's modeling in the Sported Illustrated Swimsuit Issue releasing in May 2019.
