In a groundbreaking moment for representation in fashion, the latest edition of Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue features Somali-American model Layla Abdi, making history as the first woman to grace its pages wearing a hijab and burkini. This landmark inclusion marks a significant step for the magazine, which has actively sought to diversify its content in recent years.
Layla Abdi, at 21 years old, has captured the hearts of many with her stunning appearance and inspiring journey. Her choice to don a hijab and burkini is a powerful statement about personal freedom and cultural identity, resonating deeply with audiences. Abdi’s story is equally compelling; she was born in a refugee camp in Kenya before her family relocated to the United States when she was seven years old. For her feature, Sports Illustrated chose to shoot her at Watamu Beach in Kenya, a poignant nod to her roots.
Reflecting on her journey during the photo shoot, Abdi shared, “I keep thinking back to the little girl I was, living in a refugee camp in this very country. To return to Kenya and shoot for Sports Illustrated in such stunning locations is surreal. It feels like a dream come true.” Such a narrative truly embodies the essence of overcoming challenges and achieving dreams.
Since the announcement of her feature, social media has erupted with admiration for Abdi. Many fans have taken to platforms like Twitter to express their enthusiasm, with some even suggesting that a Barbie doll inspired by her would be a fantastic idea.
Abdi is no stranger to breaking barriers. At just 19, she became the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, where she was a semi-finalist. She later signed with IMG Models and has walked in fashion shows globally, passionately advocating for inclusivity and representation. Her achievements also include gracing the cover of British Vogue, making her the first hijabi model to appear on a mainstream magazine cover. Abdi continues to promote the narrative that modesty can be an empowering choice for women in fashion.
MJ Day, editor of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, praised Abdi, stating, “We believe beauty knows no boundaries. Layla is not only a stunning individual but also an inspirational figure due to her commitment to using her platform for good, including her work with UNICEF.”
With her dual beauty—both inside and out—Layla Abdi’s feature is set to inspire countless others and will be available to view in full when the issue hits newsstands on May 9. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination options, check out this post on intracervical insemination or learn more about the cryobaby home insemination kit, a trusted resource in this field. For more information on intrauterine insemination, visit Resolve.org.
In summary, the inclusion of Layla Abdi in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is a monumental step for representation in the fashion world. Her journey from a refugee camp to the pages of a prestigious magazine signifies hope, resilience, and the beauty of diversity.