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The Latest Instagram Star is Not Who You’d Expect

We’ve finally been able to say goodbye to Barbie’s unattainable figure, as Mattel has just announced the release of dolls with a variety of new body types, skin tones and hair textures. Haneefah Adam of Nigeria has gotten behind the movement in an even bigger way—she’s styling a Barbie in a hijab.


To promote the brand, Adam has taken a play out of Barbie’s playlist by creating the @hijarbie Instagram account, which mimics the popular @barbiestyle account. @hijarbie features the original Barbie wearing modest yet fashion-forward outfits. Many include hijabs often accompanied by Adams wearing a similar outfit.

Adams’s intention was to help young Muslim girls feel proud of their culture and religion. “They become more confident, more driven, they believe more in themselves, which leads to an appreciation of herself and her modest lifestyle and upbringing. Instead of dressing up her dolls in clothes she wouldn’t wear, hijabifying it will create a sense of belonging and hopefully make a positive impact” Adams explains.

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Paige Herer

U Mass Amherst

Paige Herer is a junior at Penn State. She is majoring in public relations and political science with a minor in international studies with hopes of pursuing a a career in PR after graduation. Her business aspirations include but are not limited to becoming Olivia Pope. She has a passion for reading, drinking coffee, long car rides, and scrolling through online blogs for hours. When Paige isn't being ridiculously productive you can find her walking aimlessly around campus trying to figure out how to operate her DSLR camera, or in her tiny dorm room marathoning any and every John Hughes movie.