Ugbad Abdi walking in Fendi's FW19 show (Photo credit: Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
It certainly has been a fashion month to remember. The world lost a true fashion hero, with Karl Lagerfeld’s sad passing on February 19th, 2019 leaving a massive hole in the fashion world.
Before his passing however, Lagerfeld ensured that his last Fendi show made history. After handing over the helm to Silvia Venturini, he saw that his final vision was carried out. Hoping to see more diversity in the fashion world, Fendi sent a Muslim model down their runway for the very first time, wearing a traditional hijab, for their F/W 19 collection.
Ugbad Abdi Photo credit: (Photo credit: Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
The model was Ugbad Abdi, a stunning model represented by Next / Evolve Models. The 18 year old who now resides in the U.S. is originally from Somalia. Abdi escaped to Kenya with her family after the civil war broke out. She spent time in a refugee camp before moving to the U.S at the age of 9.
Ugbad Abdi has become a true star this fashion month walking in some of the major shows in Milan, New York and London.
Ugbad Abdi (Photo credit: Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
Ugbad Abdi walking in Simone Rocha (Photo credit Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
Ugbad Abdi walking in Burberry (Photo credit Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
Ugbad Abdi walking in MaxMara (Photo credit Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
Ugbad Abdi walking in Roberto Cavalli (Photo credit Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
Ugbad Abdi walking in Anna Sui (Photo credit Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
Ugbad Abdi walking in Victoria Beckham (Photo credit Ugbad Abdi Instagram)
Ugbad Abdi's highlight of her fashion month, in her own words was the Fendi show, stating:
"I just don’t even know where to begin with this one. I’m literally speechless. The energy in this room was like none other. Walking for Fedi / Silvia Venturini and being the first hijab wearing woman to do so is just so incredibly unbelievable in itself but the fact that I walked in Karl Lagerfeld's last collection with Fendi is.... words could never describe how I felt being so fortunate enough to walk in Karl’s last creations alongside such strong and incredible women. The fact that so many people including those who’ve never met Karl like me were so touched and inspired by him tells you how much of an icon he is. You will be missed by many, Rest easy 🖤"
Karl’s presence was very much felt during the Fendi show. At the back of the runway featured in signature form, "Love KL” which could be seen as the models walked.
At the end of the show, it was time to pay a final tribute to Lagerfeld. Press were given a sketch from Lagerfeld's final collection, with the date of Lagerfeld's passing. After the show ended, a video of Lagerfeld drawing himself an incredible 54 years ago from memory on the first day of working at the Fendi house played as he was asked to draw what he wore that day back in 1965.
An incredible show, that appears to indicate Lagerfeld’s vision of being more inclusive and diverse going forward. As the irreplaceable couture designer once said, “Fashion is about going ahead, not about memory.” And it seems with this move, Lagerfeld was being true to his word. Looking to move ahead and evolve with the times. Karl, you will be sorely missed.
RSS Feed
