For the second time in as many years, Iowan and international supermodel Ugbad Abdi graced the exclusive Met Gala red carpet.
Abdi wore a custom-made Michael Kors suit ensemble featuring a long cape that was an homage to former Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, who, himself, was an inspiration for the theme of the night, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
The look, which featured 80,000 crystals individually sewn on over 600 hours, made her feel “empowered,” Abdi told Nylon, a fashion publication, and that she was channeling Talley with “unapologetic grandeur.”
From refugee to Target cashier to international supermodel
Born in Somalia and raised in a refugee camp, Abdi came to Iowa as a 9-year-old and was catapulted into the haute couture world just after graduating high school when a talent spotter took interest in her Instagram makeup looks.
As a devout Muslim, Abdi, 24, dresses modestly and wears a hijab, or, when shooting or walking shows, a hat or head covering. She’s worked with some of fashion’s biggest houses, including Valentino, Burberry, Chanel and Marc Jacobs, which have all crafted headpieces in line with her faith.
Supermodel Ugbad Abdi says Michael Kors is ‘a constant supporter’
Abdi has walked for Michael Kors many times over the years, including in her first year of modeling, when she opened the Kors show at New York Fashion Week.
“Michael has stayed a constant supporter, and I always look forward to NYFW and walking a Kors show,” she told Nylon. “Michael and the team always make me feel my most beautiful and glamorous.”
The Register profiled Ugbad Abdi earlier this year when she was honored as a USA Today Woman of the Year. Read that story, see more photos and hear from Abdi herself here.
Courtney Crowder, the Register’s Iowa Columnist, traverses the state’s 99 counties telling Iowans’ stories. Reach her at ccrowder@dmreg.com or 515-284-8360. Follow her on Twitter @courtneycare.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Refugee turned supermodel Ugbad Abdi dazzles at 2025 Met Gala wearing Michael Kors suit
Reporting by Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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