V125 NEXT GEN: Ugbad Abdi

“I feel like the industry gets more inclusive every season. There have been so many changes to the business; now [it’s all about] doing the best we can and not hurting the planet.” -Ugbad Abdi

  • Photography: Inez & Vinoodh
  • Fashion: George Cortina
  • Author: SAMUEL ANDERSON
  • MAKEUP: DICK PAGE (STATEMENT ARTISTS) HAIR: JAMES PECIS (BRYANT ARTISTS) MANICURE: RIEKO OKUSA (SUSAN PRICE NYC) EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: STEPHANIE BARGAS (VLM PRODUCTIONS) PRODUCER: TUCKER BIRBILIS (VLM PRODUCTIONS) PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: EVA HARTE (VLM PRODUCTIONS) PRODUCTION MANAGER: JOHN NADHAZI LIGHTING TECHNICIAN: JODOKUS DRIESSEN (VLM STUDIO) DIGITAL TECHNICIAN: SASHA VINE (VLM STUDIO) PHOTO ASSISTANT: JOE HUME STYLIST ASSISTANTS: MOSES MORENO, SEAN NGUYEN, SZALAY MILLER, SHO TATSUISHI MAKEUP ASSISTANT: GINA DADDONA HAIR ASSISTANTS: ANTON ALEXANDER, CANDICE KELLY, AKIRA YAMADA LOCATION: INDUSTRIA BROOKLYN

A new generation of supermodels is here. They’re on the world’s runways, magazine covers, music videos and iPhone screens. They are everywhere in our connected world. As summer rolls in, they prepare for some well-deserved rest and relaxation—even in the face of COVID-19.

Ugbad Abdi, the breakout modeling star, has made a championing statement on some of the world’s most important runways. A historic moment, Abdi was the first model to wear a headscarf on both the Fendi and Lanvin runways. Creating space for herself, her faith, and other people of color, today we recognize Ugbad Abdi as our muse. With a long list of accomplishments already, the Somali-beauty now appears on the cover of V125 lensed by Inez and Vinoodh and styled by George Cortina. V spoke with the model about her summer reading list, exotic travel plans, and thoughts on inclusivity within the fashion industry. Pre-order your own copy of V125, here.

Read the full interview, below.

Ugbad wear top Salvatore Ferragamo, Necklace Cartier (vintage) from FD Gallery / On lips Hermès Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick Rouge Casaque

V Where are you from? 

UGBAD ABDI I’m from Des Moines, Iowa.

V How would you describe the summer of your dreams? 

UA I would love to go on a road trip in San Francisco with friends during summer. Seems like the scenery + sunset + friends company would be peaceful.

V What is the ultimate summer song? 

UA Going off of that road trip, I’d play “Hold on” by The Internet and a lot of Solange.

V What is on your summer reading list? 

UA Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer is a book I’d wanna finish reading before summer ends. 

V What is your favorite summer memory? 

UA Each day would be a favorite day because the sun is out and it’s warm. All I could ask for!

V How would you describe the current wave of models/generation? 

UA I feel like the industry is getting more inclusive every season which is always a good thing. There are so many changes happening that I think everyone in the business and in the world is affected by. We’re all doing the best that we can to be thoughtful and not hurt the planet. 

V How do you feel in front of the camera? 

UA I feel great in front of the camera. Every day I get to work with different people which helps me grow and learn. 

V What do you hope for this year? 

UA I hope that the world becomes a better place than it was in 2019.

 

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