Representation in the modelling industry has often been an afterthought, but for model Alina Abdullahi, it’s a mission. She’s our December 2024/January 2025 cover girl, embodying peace, representation, and the limitless beauty of dark-skinned Black women and femmes.
By Trishad Atanga
Hi Alina, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Alina Abdullahi, I’m the marketing manager at the budding fashion brand, Thandi, a visual mixed-media artist, freelance writer and creative director. I currently live in Lagos, Nigeria.
How old are you?
I am 23 years old.
Do you work with an agency, or are you a freelance model?
I’ve been with my fair share of agencies, but I am currently a freelance model.
Why did you want to become a model?
From a young age, I felt compelled to express myself in a stylish and creative way. I didn’t always have the opportunity to explore my personal style, as I grew up in a conservative household, so modelling was a way for me to appreciate my beauty without shame, and play dress up all while getting compensated for it.
I also understood that representation in the modelling industry has always been an afterthought and I wanted to prove to myself and to other dark skinned black women and femmes, that there was a place for them in this industry. Our beauty knows no bounds and there is pride in being richly melanated.
Is this your first cover feature?
Yes, this is my first cover feature and as you can tell, I’m very excited about it!
Where else might we have seen your work?
You may have seen my work in F Word Magazine, The Sanxtuary, WTF Beauty, and Creative Heads Magazine.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career so far has been the feature in Tove Lo’s music video for Let Me Go OH OH, which was part of the HEAT EP. It was centred around freedom, partying and the LGBTQ+ community, and was also released during Pride Month, so I felt proud to represent yet another marginalised community.
I think with music videos the “extras” are often seen as background characters, but our roles were more pronounced, placing us at the forefront of the storyline. With this one in particular celebrating people in the community, it felt extra affirming to not be placed in the background. Everyone had their moment!
What would be your dream modelling job?
My dream modelling job would be a global beauty campaign for a makeup or skincare brand, like Pat McGrath or Topicals. I’m talking billboards, bus stop ads, in-store images, video campaigns, etc! I’m very passionate about the beauty industry, especially keeping up with my skincare and having my makeup done nicely, so it would be great to partake in the marketing for either of those things.
How Alina became our cover girl…
What was it like working with Lisa Farrall and her team?
It was amazing. The image on the cover of the December 2024/January 2025 issue of the magazine was actually from the very first time I worked with Lisa. The vibe on set was comforting and I felt confident. This was also my first time doing hair modelling so I didn’t know what to expect. We chatted as she styled my hair, making me feel comfortable and relating to me in a way that felt light and fun. It was great being the December cover girl.
That shoot was the start of something special, and I’ve worked with Lisa on two different shoots since then and even worked separately with some of her mentees. I appreciate the fact that there’s always snacks and food provided on Lisa’s sets because some people are still of the archaic mindset that models “don’t eat”, and she has a strong sense of responsibility for ensuring people feel represented and included in her work.
Fashion & beauty tips
How would you describe your off-duty style?
My off-duty style varies from season to season. In the warmer months/climates, my off-duty style consists of fitted crop tops and low-waisted boot-cut skinny jeans, cargo pants or micro-mini skirts, depending on how I feel that day.
Now that I’ve moved back to Lagos, I have a more Afrocentric style. Featuring brightly patterned fabrics, flowing skirts, maximalist jewellery (mostly handmade by myself) and colourful slippers and sandals.
What are your top three go-to products for hair care?
My top three go-to products for hair care are, Natural Unprocessed Shea Butter, Profectiv Mega Growth Daily Leave-in Strengthener and Rosemary Oil.
What’s always in your bag?
A tin of cocoa butter, Vaseline Lip Therapy, a good pair of sunglasses, my noise-cancelling headphones and a good black lip liner (that usually doubles as eyeliner).
Which beauty brands are your current faves and why?
NARS is a current fave of mine because I’ve been using their Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation for the past five years and it’s one of the only foundations I’ve tried out personally, that had a very similar shade match to my natural skin tone. It has never failed me, so it’ll always be a fave of mine.
Also, Human Beauty is my top favourite at the moment because they have such a wide array of products that can cater to your every need. The products are made to be as accessible as possible, ensuring that the needs of people with disabilities are at the forefront of their production process. I think accessibility in the beauty industry is so important and they do a wonderful job of making people feel represented and included.
COSRX is one of my current favourite Korean beauty brands and their snail mucin has done absolute wonders for my skin, which is why I will continue to purchase their products. As someone with combination skin that can get very dry, their products do a great job at rehydrating my skin and bringing life back into my face. My skin also feels very soft and supple after using it so I’d say it’s definitely a large thumbs up from me.
Lastly, do you have any advice for aspiring cover girls?
Being your authentic self will always attract your tribe. As a model never compromise on your standards, on your morals or on your safety. You are worthy and deserving of respect and appreciation.
Modelling is hard work, contrary to popular opinion of those outside of the industry. Be bold and dare to be seen and heard. Your confidence and your steadfastness in being unapologetically who you are, will attract the things you desire and the things that are meant for you.
If you’d told me two years ago that I’d be a cover girl, I would’ve laughed and shaken my head in disbelief! The world is your oyster, and if I could it, so can you. It is my wish for every black girl out there to achieve their dreams, especially to those who also wish to be cover girls. It is a possibility well within your reach.
