The H&M hijabi: Global high street brand features Muslim model

Global fashion store H&M has featured its first ever Muslim model wearing a hijab in a video that shows its most recent collection, the Independent reported on Saturday.

Mariah Idrissi appeared in H&M’s diverse promotion video, which included old and young, Sikh and Muslim, large and slim models, as the first Muslim model wearing a hijab for the brand.

In the video she is briefly seen in a doorway, in a peach-coloured coat, headdress and shades.

The 23-year-old model from London said that she has been called an inspiration by Muslim women’s websites.

“It always feels like women who wear hijab are ignored when it comes to fashion” she said in an interview with Fusion blog.

But H&M is reportedly dividing commentators as to whether it is a skeptical use of the headdress or a progressive step to be applauded.