Halima Aden Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Hijab Fashion, Activism, Boyfriend, Instagram

Halima Aden is a Somali-American fashion model and activist who gained international acclaim as the first hijab- and burkini-wearing contestant in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

Represented by IMG Models, she broke barriers with major runway debuts and magazine covers, and became the first hijab-wearing model in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Aden is celebrated for elevating modest fashion and paving new avenues for representation in the modeling industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Halima Aden
• Stage Name: Halima Aden
• Born: 19 September, 1997
• Age: 27 years old
• Birthplace: Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya
• Nationality: Somali / American
• Occupation: Fashion Model
• Height: 1.65 m
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: 1
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Unknown
• Net Worth: $ 7.8 million

Early Life and Education

Halima Aden was born on September 19, 1997, in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya to Somali parents, whose full names are not publicly known.

She has a younger brother though his name is not publicly known. At age six, her family relocated to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where she attended Apollo High School and was elected homecoming queen by her classmates.

She later enrolled at St. Cloud State University, pursuing studies alongside her modeling commitments. She is of Somalia ethnicity through her parents, and though her religion is not publicly known but likely Muslim.

Career

Halima Aden began her breakthrough in fashion after becoming the first contestant in Miss Minnesota USA 2016 to wear a hijab and burkini, advancing to the semi-finals.

Her inclusive representation sparked global media attention and highlighted an urgent demand for modest fashion in mainstream spaces. Within months, she was scouted and signed by IMG Models, becoming the agency’s first hijab-wearing model and cementing a historic milestone.

Her runway debut occurred at New York Fashion Week in February 2017, where she walked for Yeezy Season 5. Later that year, she appeared at Milan Fashion Week for Max Mara and Alberta Ferretti.

Aden quickly made editorial waves – in early 2017, she appeared on the cover of CR Fashion Book, facilitated by Carine Roitfeld, propelling her visibility globally. She also became the first hijab-wearing model on the covers of Vogue Arabia, Allure, and British Vogue.

Aden continued to expand her impact by becoming the first hijab-wearing model in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in May 2019, donning a burkini, and starring in major brand campaigns including collaborations with Fenty Beauty and Bottletop.

Notably, she launched her own modest headscarf collection with Modanisa in Istanbul the same year, reinforcing her commitment to community-driven fashion innovation.

In November 2020, Aden publicly stepped back from mainstream runway modeling, citing conflicts between her religious values and industry expectations.

She returned selectively in 2021 as global brand ambassador for Modanisa, aligning her platform with purposeful, modest fashion initiatives while prioritizing projects consistent with her faith and ethics. In 2021 she was also recognized on BBC’s list of 100 Women for her influence and advocacy.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @kinglimaa

Personal Life

Halima Aden keeps her personal life distinctly private. She has shared gratitude for being raised by a strong family who supported her early decisions.

Her advocacy work includes returning to Kakuma with UNICEF to bring visibility to refugee children and children’s rights worldwide.

Net Worth

Halima Aden’s net worth is estimated at approximately USD 7.8 million.

Her primary income arises from modeling contracts, brand endorsements (including Fenty Beauty and Modanisa), editorial features, and ambassador partnerships. Her consistent alignment with high-profile yet principled collaborations reflects both financial success and values-driven influence.