Mariah Idrissi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lalla Maria Derissy (1992-08-16)16 August 1992 (age 33) London, United Kingdom, UK |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2015–present |
| Known for | Being the first Muslim hijab-wearing model |
| Relatives |
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| Modeling information | |
| Agency | Insanity Group Management |
Mariah Idrissi (born 16 August 1992) is a British model, public speaker, and online personality. Idrissi initially gained recognition as the firstMuslimhijab-wearing model when she appeared in multinational retailer,H&M's "Close the Loop" campaign in 2015; after which, Idrissi became a leading authority on "modest fashion" appearing on domestic and international news programmes on the subject.[1][2][3]In 2016, Idrissi signed toSelect modelling agency in 2016 and signed with Insanity Group Management in 2017.[4][5]
Lalla Maria Derissy was born in London, England, on 16 August 1992, the daughter ofPakistani andMoroccan parents.[6][7] Idrissi has two brothers, Moulay Ahmed Derissy and Sidi Yasin Derissy.
Idrissi was first scouted by former actress turned casting director,Coralie Rose at theWestfield London shopping centre,Shepherd's Bush.[5] Rose's talent agency, 'Road Casting Kids' secured Idrissi's first casting, an appearance in H&M's 2015sustainable fashion campaign, 'Close The Loop'. In the ad campaign, "Idrissi is pictured outside a fish and chip shop in East London wearing a pink coat, aviator sunglasses and a checked hijab" making her the first Muslim hijab-wearing model.[2][8]
Idrissi appears in both print and video ads for the Swedish fashion brand's campaign.[6] As a result, both Idrissi and H&M made headline news receiving domestic coverage across major British media outlets,[9][10] and in high fashion magazinesElle,Marie Claire andTeen Vogue.[11][12][13] International news broadcasters includingCNN,ABC AU,Huffington Post,NBC andAl Jazeera covered the now viral campaign.[3][4][14][15] Katie Rogers ofThe New York Times wrote: "the story of Mariah Idrissi, a hijab-wearing model, has prompted a discussion about women who are reclaiming the head scarf as a form of stylish self-expression."[16] Aaron Morrison ofThe International Business Times reported, "There's a considerable amount of buzz in the fashion world about Mariah Idrissi".[6]
Publications began to refer to Idrissi as the face of modest fashion.[17]Entity Magazine titled its piece, "Mariah Idrissi: The New Face of Modest Fashion",[18] while journalist, Salem Ola ofAbu Dhabi newspaper,The National said:
Her two-second cameo sent a wave of excitement and uncertainty through the fashion industry. Without even realising it, Idrissi had become the face of modest fashion, as the first hijab-wearing model for H&M, the second-largest global retailer, afterZara.[17]
Writing onDolce & Gabbana's 'Abaya' collection designed specifically for Muslim women,The Daily Telegraph's, Fashion News & Features Editor, Bibby Sowray credits Idrissi as "one of the first to make waves in the industry",[1] while co-host ofNPR'sMorning Edition,Renee Montagne refers to the appearance of hijab-wearing model, Idrissi as "groundbreaking".[19]
In May 2016, Idrissi joined the firstIstanbul Modest Fashion Week held inTurkey as a "modest influencer."[20][21] In November 2016, Idrissi featured in contemporary modest fashion retailer,[8] Aab's winter season collection.[22][23]
Idrissi has also appeared on aFenty Beauty campaign, the cosmetics line byRihanna.[24][25]
An active humanitarian, Idrissi advocates forSyrian Women, endorsing Human Care Syria's 'Women's Hygiene and Sanitation' project.[26] In 2016, Idrissi spoke at London'sTEDxTeen conference held at the IndigoO2 atThe O2 Arena.[27] Her talk, 'Changing the Face of Fashion' is available on TEDx's official 'Tedx Innovations' site.[28] As part of anNHS social action campaign to drive young donors to register and give blood, Idrissi joined other leading British black and Asian public figures including multiple gold-winning OlympianNicola AdamsMBE,Chuka Umunna MP, TV presenter and wheelchair basketball playerAde Adepitan MBE andMOBO's founderKanya King MBE to launch 'Represent'.[29][30]
Described by The BEAM Awards as "an influential role model and voice for many fashion conscious modest women in the UK as well as internationally," the organisation nominated Idrissi for the 2016 'Cultural Icon of the Year' award and later appointed her an ambassador of the ceremony.[31][32] Idrissi uses her online social media accounts and speaking engagements communicating reactions to the H&M campaign, her work as an advocate, and how other brands are incorporating Muslim dress in mainstream fashion.