Arab-origin, Muslim models take over runways at Milan Fashion Week

Amina Adan and Halima Aden walked the runway for Max Mara. (@amina_adan)
Updated 25 February 2018
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Arab-origin, Muslim models take over runways at Milan Fashion Week

DUBAI: From Somali-American star Halima Aden to lesser known beauty Amina Adan, hijab-wearing models and beauties of Arab descent are taking Milan Fashion Week by storm.
Both models walked for Max Mara in the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2018 show on Thursday, alongside such fashion stars as Gigi Hadid and Cindy Crawford’s daughter, Kaia Gerber.
Aden sported a silky headscarf and skirt-and-trousers combination while Adan, who was raised in Denmark, showed off a grey checkered blazer paired with a black leopard-print scarf.
After the show, Adan took to her Instagram page to thank Max Mara for the experience, posting: “Thank you for this amazing experience, @maxmara.”
Far from being the only Muslim models to take Milan by storm, the pair were joined in the fashion-forward city by models-of-the-moment Gigi and Bella Hadid, both of whom walked in a variety of shows, including Missoni, Versace and Alberta Ferretti.

Thank you for this amazing experience @maxmara #Aminainmilan

A post shared by Amina Adan (@amina_adan) on

For her part, Imaan Hammam, a Dutch model of Egyptian and Moroccan descent, walked the runway for Versace on Friday, dressed in a figure-hugging, belted black mini-dress.

Backstage @versace

A post shared by Imaan Hammam (@imaanhammam) on

However, despite the two hijab-clad models and litany of international names garnering praise from pro-diversity fashion insiders, some critics are slamming Italian fashion house Gucci for outfitting white models with headscarves and turbans in the brand’s Feb. 22 show.
Actor and model Avan Jogia sparked debate on Twitter after he tweeted a photo of a white model wearing a turban, saying: “Yo, @gucci... I mess with you guys... but this isn’t a good look for you... could you not find a brown model?”
Meanwhile, fashion photographer Faiyaz Kolia told Indie magazine that “Gucci got to pick and choose from cultural imagery all the things that are aligned to their ‘fantasy’ narrative without any consequences, and then so easily put on white skin… What message does that send? That it’s ok to wear a hijab if you’re young, beautiful, rich, and white but not if you’re actually a Muslim or a person of color?”


Bella Hadid embraces rodeo style

Updated 21 December 2025
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Bella Hadid embraces rodeo style

DUBAI: As the National Finals Rodeo took over Las Vegas, it was not just the action in the arena drawing attention. American Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid was in the stands, lending her support to boyfriend and professional horse cutter Adan Banuelos — and doing so in unmistakable Western style.

The model, who has long embraced cowboy aesthetics, returned to full rodeo mode for the event. She wore a vintage-style paisley top paired with a classic, fringe-trimmed leather jacket. Leaning into the look, Hadid layered a second leather piece underneath — a sleeveless vest featuring a heart-shaped cut-out at the back.

Her accessories followed suit. A dark brown cowboy hat, leather riding boots and a printed belt with a statement buckle grounded the outfit, while stacks of silver bangles and rings added a finishing touch.

For another outing at the rodeo, Hadid switched gears with a monochrome ensemble that nodded to bohemian influences. She wore white bootcut trousers with a cream turtleneck beneath a suede fringed duster coat. Beaded necklaces and a medallion-style belt completed the look.

The standout accessory was her vintage Fendi Mama Baguette — the larger iteration of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic bag — rendered in bold leopard print. Hadid wore the ensemble from the arena to the fair, where she was later spotted sharing curly fries with her beau.

The model has been dating Banuelos since October 2023 and regularly supports the star at his various competitions.

Since the two began dating, Banuelos has helped the model — who trained as an equestrian in her youth — find her way back into the saddle, training her and cheering her on at competitions, which eventually led to a Rookie of the Year win last December.

Showing her love and appreciation for her horseman beau at the time, Hadid shared a heartfelt post, where she wrote: “Thank you @ab_performancehorses for supporting me in my dreams this year and never treating me any different. You, your heart, your talent, your family, and your team went above and beyond for us to get this done and I appreciate it more than any of you know!! Love you all so much it hurts!”