Intisar Abdul-Kader, Stine Goya Spring 2024. Photo: Courtesy Stine Goya
Danish responsible fashion brand Stine Goya invited hijabi athlete Intisar Abdul-Kader to walk her first Copenhagen Fashion Week show yesterday. The new model is a long-distance runner based in London. The show—centered on the idea of home—used the designer Stine Goya’s own residential Copenhagen street, as its runway. Goya featured her now signature diverse casting, with models of all backgrounds, sizes, and ages to walk the show—with none other than Danish supermodel Helena Christensen closing it. “‘Homecoming’ is an invitation to cherish the meaning of home in all its facets—a physical shelter and a heartfelt emotional connection,” stated the designer, who seamlessly transmitted her brand identity to Morocco for her recent Ramadan capsule.
For Abdul-Kader, the fashion opportunity gives her a platform to offer visibility to her latest venture, All-4-1 Running Crew, a running collective established in July for all runners and all bodies. “It’s a safe space for all,” states Abdul-Kader. My aim is to create a safe environment for hijab wearing runners and this has motivated me to qualify as a running coach and start my own running community.”
Intisar Abdul-Kader, Stine Goya Spring 2024. Courtesy Stine Goya
The runner, whose parents are of mixed ethnicity—Somaliland, Yemen, Sudan, and Ethiopia—moved to Abu Dhabi in the 80s. “I grew up on a petroleum living complex belonging to ADNOC till my teens as my dad worked as a specialist there,” she recalls. Alluding to another place that served as home to her, she adds that Umm Al Nar Complex was a five-minute drive from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
“The UAE was my first feeling of home and belonging; it’s still home,” says Abdul-Kader. “It was also the place where I discovered my love for running and the start of my journey. I joined the mixed 400m relay in school and never looked back.”…
