Halima Aden On Designing Her ModanisaCollection Of Turbans, Scarves

Halima Aden has already made a serious mark in the world of fashion. After walking the runway at NYFW, gracing the covers of magazines, and making history, the model is now moving into designing.

Working with Modanisa, Halima will unveil her collaborative collection of turbans and shawls to the world on April 29th. The items, which will be for sale on the Modanisa app and website, first debuted at Istanbul Modest Fashion Week. The collection has been a year in the making, Halima told Teen Vogue and includes 47 pieces made for everything from a quick run to the gym to a high-fashion event.

Before the Halima x Modanisa collection officially arrives, Halima took some time to chat with Teen Vogue regarding her new project. As she tells us, it was very important for her to have a hand in the entire process. Along with collaborating on design elements, she also oversaw the accompanying image campaign and was responsible for selecting the entire creative team. Halima says she wanted this collection to be for everyone, saying, “You don’t have to be a hijabi to rock my turbans.”

Teen Vogue: What was it like getting to collaborate with Modanisa, and what does it feel like getting to see the now finished product?

Halima Aden: I can’t even begin to explain the whirlwind of emotions that this project has been. To see the final product and to see it all come together has been super incredible, and a journey like no other.

TV: What sparked this collaboration?

HA: Collaborating with Modanisa has been an absolute dream. The company values are so in mind with my own branding. It was important for me to tap into women designers, and 88% of Modanisa’s designers are females. I wanted this to be a celebration of sisterhood. My turbans and scarves are open to everyone. You don’t have to be a hijabi to rock my turban. It can be a fashion accessory to go with your overall style.

TV: What do you hope people feel when they buy your turbans?

HA: This collection was designed so that every single shopper can feel their absolute best. There’s a piece for every person and occasion. I have turbans for a quick run to the gym, and more elegant pieces that you could wear to a special dinner. As someone who has been wearing a hijab for a very long time, I know that putting them on can be very time-consuming. I paid close attention to Instagram comments and messages asking me how I tie my turbans, and I’m happy to say, I have 27-pieces that you don’t have to worry about pinning or tying.

TV: Do you have a favorite piece or design?

HA: It’s so hard to pick one because they’re all different and perfect for different occasions. I will say, the quick tie turbans are a must-have. I can’t tell you how life-changing it’s been for me, as a hijabi, to just put on a turban and get out the door. People don’t understand that sometimes it takes me 30-minutes to an hour to get that turban look that you see on my Instagram page. It’s just an extra bonus in their everyday life. We already spend so much time doing makeup and picking out the right outfit and shoes. I wanted this turban to be something that saves them time.

TV: Do you think that this is something that you’d want to do again in the future?

HA: Definitely. This has been so fun to collaborate with Modanisa, and it’d be so fun to do this all over again.

Originally published on www.teenvogue.com