Illustration within the modelling trade has usually been an afterthought, however for mannequin Alina Abdullahi, it’s a mission. She’s our December 2024/January 2025 cowl woman, embodying peace, illustration, and the limitless great thing about dark-skinned Black girls and femmes.
By Trishad Atanga
Hello Alina, might you introduce your self to our readers?
My title is Alina Abdullahi, I’m the advertising and marketing supervisor on the budding vogue model, Thandi, a visible mixed-media artist, freelance author and inventive director. I at the moment stay in Lagos, Nigeria.
How outdated are you?
I’m 23 years outdated.
Do you’re employed with an company, or are you a contract mannequin?
I’ve been with my fair proportion of companies, however I’m at the moment a contract mannequin.
Why did you need to develop into a mannequin?
From a younger age, I felt compelled to specific myself in a classy and inventive means. I didn’t at all times have the chance to discover my private fashion, as I grew up in a conservative family, so modelling was a means for me to understand my magnificence with out disgrace, and play costume up all whereas getting compensated for it.
I additionally understood that illustration within the modelling trade has at all times been an afterthought and I needed to show to myself and to different darkish skinned black girls and femmes, that there was a spot for them on this trade. Our magnificence is aware of no bounds and there may be delight in being richly melanated.
Is that this your first cowl function?
Sure, that is my first cowl function and as you may inform, I’m very enthusiastic about it!
The place else may we’ve seen your work?
You will have seen my work in F Phrase Journal, The Sanxtuary, WTF Magnificence, and Artistic Heads Journal.
What’s been the spotlight of your profession thus far?
The spotlight of my profession thus far has been the function in Tove Lo’s music video for Let Me Go OH OH, which was a part of the HEAT EP. It was centred round freedom, partying and the LGBTQ+ group, and was additionally launched throughout Pleasure Month, so I felt proud to signify one more marginalised group.
I feel with music movies the “extras” are sometimes seen as background characters, however our roles have been extra pronounced, inserting us on the forefront of the storyline. With this one specifically celebrating individuals in the neighborhood, it felt further affirming to not be positioned within the background. Everybody had their second!
What could be your dream modelling job?
My dream modelling job could be a world magnificence marketing campaign for a make-up or skincare model, like Pat McGrath or Topicals. I’m speaking billboards, bus cease adverts, in-store pictures, video campaigns, and so forth! I’m very passionate concerning the magnificence trade, particularly maintaining with my skincare and having my make-up performed properly, so it could be nice to partake within the advertising and marketing for both of these issues.
How Alina turned our cowl woman…
What was it like working with Lisa Farrall and her staff?
It was superb. The picture on the quilt of the December 2024/January 2025 difficulty of the journal was really from the very first time I labored with Lisa. The vibe on set was comforting and I felt assured. This was additionally my first time doing hair modelling so I didn’t know what to anticipate. We chatted as she styled my hair, making me really feel comfy and regarding me in a means that felt gentle and enjoyable. It was nice being the December cowl woman.
That shoot was the beginning of one thing particular, and I’ve labored with Lisa on two totally different shoots since then and even labored individually with a few of her mentees. I admire the truth that there’s at all times snacks and meals supplied on Lisa’s units as a result of some persons are nonetheless of the archaic mindset that fashions “don’t eat”, and she or he has a powerful sense of duty for making certain individuals really feel represented and included in her work.
Vogue & magnificence suggestions
How would you describe your off-duty fashion?
My off-duty fashion varies from season to season. Within the hotter months/climates, my off-duty fashion consists of fitted crop tops and low-waisted boot-cut skinny denims, cargo pants or micro-mini skirts, relying on how I really feel that day.
Now that I’ve moved again to Lagos, I’ve a extra Afrocentric fashion. That includes brightly patterned materials, flowing skirts, maximalist jewelry (largely handmade on my own) and vibrant slippers and sandals.
What are your prime three go-to merchandise for hair care?
My prime three go-to merchandise for hair care are, Pure Unprocessed Shea Butter, Profectiv Mega Progress Day by day Depart-in Strengthener and Rosemary Oil.
What’s at all times in your bag?
A tin of cocoa butter, Vaseline Lip Remedy, a great pair of sun shades, my noise-cancelling headphones and a great black lip liner (that often doubles as eyeliner).
Which magnificence manufacturers are your present faves and why?
NARS is a present fave of mine as a result of I’ve been utilizing their Pure Radiant Longwear Basis for the previous 5 years and it’s one of many solely foundations I’ve tried out personally, that had a really comparable shade match to my pure pores and skin tone. It has by no means failed me, so it’ll at all times be a favourite of mine.
Additionally, Human Magnificence is my prime favorite in the meanwhile as a result of they’ve such a big selection of merchandise that may cater to your each want. The merchandise are made to be as accessible as attainable, making certain that the wants of individuals with disabilities are on the forefront of their manufacturing course of. I feel accessibility within the magnificence trade is so vital they usually do an exquisite job of creating individuals really feel represented and included.
COSRX is certainly one of my present favorite Korean magnificence manufacturers and their snail mucin has performed absolute wonders for my pores and skin, which is why I’ll proceed to buy their merchandise. As somebody with mixture pores and skin that may get very dry, their merchandise do a terrific job at rehydrating my pores and skin and bringing life again into my face. My pores and skin additionally feels very mushy and supple after utilizing it so I’d say it’s positively a big thumbs up from me.
Lastly, do you have got any recommendation for aspiring cowl ladies?
Being your genuine self will at all times entice your tribe. As a mannequin by no means compromise in your requirements, in your morals or in your security. You might be worthy and deserving of respect and appreciation.
Modelling is tough work, opposite to fashionable opinion of these outdoors of the trade. Be daring and dare to be seen and heard. Your confidence and your steadfastness in being unapologetically who you might be, will entice the stuff you want and the issues which can be meant for you.
If you happen to’d instructed me two years in the past that I’d be a canopy woman, I might’ve laughed and shaken my head in disbelief! The world is your oyster, and if I might it, so are you able to. It’s my want for each black woman on the market to attain their goals, particularly to those that additionally want to be cowl ladies. It’s a risk properly inside your attain.
