Mariah Idrissi – The Trailblazing British Hijab-Wearing Model and Cultural Visionary
Who Is Mariah Idrissi?
Mariah Idrissi is a British model, writer, filmmaker, and cultural consultant whose rise to international fame reshaped the global fashion industry. Best known as the world’s first hijab-wearing model featured in a major brand campaign, she became a symbol of representation, modest fashion, and empowerment for Muslim women worldwide. Born on 16 August 1992 in London, United Kingdom, Mariah’s mixed Moroccan and Pakistani heritage gives her a unique cross-cultural perspective that infuses her creative and professional work.
Her career began with a defining moment in 2015, when she appeared in H&M’s “Close the Loop” campaign, an initiative promoting sustainability and inclusivity. Her appearance in that advert marked a turning point in fashion history, signalling a shift toward more diverse and authentic representation.
Early Life and Educational Background
Mariah Idrissi grew up in London in a multicultural household that balanced South Asian and North African influences. Her father is Moroccan, and her mother is Pakistani, an upbringing that allowed her to navigate two rich cultural traditions while developing a strong sense of identity and purpose.
She attended South Thames College, where she earned a National Diploma in Art and Design (2010–2012), nurturing her interest in creativity and visual expression. Later, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History from The Open University (2012–2015). Her academic background in literature and history strengthened her passion for storytelling, which now lies at the heart of her work as a writer and filmmaker.
Mariah Idrissi and the H&M Campaign
In 2015, Mariah Idrissi became a household name after appearing in H&M’s “Close the Loop” global campaign. The advert aimed to promote recycling and sustainability in fashion, featuring people from diverse backgrounds and styles. However, Mariah stood out as the first Muslim woman to appear in a hijab for a major fashion retailer.
Her inclusion was not a token gesture but a meaningful milestone. Dressed modestly yet stylishly, she proved that fashion and faith can coexist. The campaign went viral, and Mariah quickly became a global face of modest fashion and inclusion in media. She received widespread praise for breaking stereotypes and opening the door for future generations of models who choose to express their faith proudly.
Career in Modelling and Media
Following the H&M campaign, Mariah Idrissi’s modelling career flourished. She signed with top agencies such as Select Model Management and later Premier Model Management in London. Her portfolio includes collaborations with luxury, fashion, and lifestyle brands, both in the UK and the Middle East.
Beyond modelling, Mariah expanded her career into creative consultancy and production. As the founder of Blue City Films, a UK and UAE-based film and content company, she focuses on telling authentic stories through visual media. Her work often explores themes of identity, empowerment, and representation, blending cultural insight with creativity.
In addition to her work behind the camera, Mariah has become a sought-after public speaker and motivational figure. Her TEDx talk, “Changing the Face of Fashion,” explored how the fashion industry can embrace diversity without exploitation. Through this platform, she has encouraged brands and audiences alike to rethink beauty standards and inclusivity.
Professional Experience and Collaborations
Over the past decade, Mariah Idrissi has worked with a wide range of international organisations, charities, and creative agencies. Her diverse professional experiences include:
Premier Model Management (2022–Present)
Working as a freelance model, Mariah continues to represent brands across fashion, luxury, and lifestyle industries. Her portfolio demonstrates her versatility as both a model and storyteller, combining creativity with purpose.
Help Yateem (2018–Present)
As an ambassador for Help Yateem, a charity supporting orphaned children, Mariah uses her platform to advocate for humanitarian causes. She actively participates in fundraising, awareness campaigns, and digital storytelling to support underprivileged communities.
Curtis Brown Group (2024–2025)
In her recent role as a presenter and filmmaker, Mariah collaborates on content that reflects cultural authenticity and positive representation. Her growing filmography underlines her evolution from a fashion figure to a creative director and media personality.
Human Appeal (2023–2024)
Mariah served as a content creator, producing media campaigns focused on charity, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. Her creative eye and attention to detail made her a trusted voice for global humanitarian initiatives.
Supa Network (2019–2022)
As creative lead, she guided brand storytelling and social impact campaigns, aligning content strategy with community engagement.
Awards and Recognition
Mariah Idrissi’s pioneering work has earned her numerous accolades:
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Young Achiever Award (Arabian Business Awards, 2019) – for her influence in global fashion and media.
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MIPAD Recognition (UN Initiative, 2018) – listed among the Most Influential People of African Descent under the United Nations’ MIPAD programme.
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Cover Star of Emirates Woman Magazine (2018) – celebrating her leadership in modest fashion.
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Regular appearances in global media, including BBC, CNN, Vogue, and Grazia, where she advocates for sustainable and inclusive fashion.
Her achievements go beyond glamour—they represent the rise of a new kind of influencer who values integrity, representation, and purpose.
Cultural Consultancy and Advocacy
Beyond her modelling success, Mariah Idrissi has emerged as a respected cultural consultant. Brands often seek her guidance to create inclusive campaigns that resonate authentically with diverse audiences. Her insights are especially valued in industries that aim to avoid cultural appropriation and instead embrace cultural appreciation.
Through her consultancy and speaking engagements, Mariah encourages organisations to understand the power of representation, ensuring that women—especially Muslim women—are portrayed with dignity and depth.
Her advocacy also extends to sustainability in fashion, echoing her beginnings in H&M’s eco-friendly campaign. She promotes conscious consumption, ethical production, and empowerment through education and visibility.
Mariah Idrissi’s Personal Life and Heritage
While Mariah Idrissi maintains a degree of privacy about her personal life, it is publicly known that she was born and raised in London. Her father is Moroccan, and her mother is Pakistani, giving her a multicultural foundation that enriches her worldview.
She has two brothers, Moulay Ahmed Derissy and Sidi Yasin Derissy, and her birth name is Lalla Maria Derissy. Despite her fame, she remains grounded and committed to values of faith, authenticity, and compassion.
As of now, she has not publicly shared details about her marital status or family life, choosing to keep those aspects private while focusing on her career and creative work.
Net Worth and Influence
While Mariah Idrissi’s net worth is not officially published, her extensive work in modelling, speaking, and media production indicates a successful and sustainable career. She represents a new generation of socially aware public figures who balance entrepreneurship with ethical purpose.
Her influence spans fashion, film, and philanthropy, and her work continues to inspire young women around the world to embrace confidence, creativity, and cultural pride.
Conclusion: Mariah Idrissi’s Lasting Legacy
Mariah Idrissi is more than a model—she is a cultural pioneer, a storyteller, and an advocate for inclusivity and sustainability. From her groundbreaking debut with H&M to founding Blue City Films, her journey symbolises the fusion of faith, fashion, and creativity.
Her work challenges stereotypes, uplifts underrepresented voices, and redefines what beauty and success look like in the 21st century. Whether through her words, her films, or her appearances, Mariah Idrissi remains a beacon of empowerment for women everywhere—proof that authenticity is the most powerful form of influence.
FAQs
1. How old is Mariah Idrissi?
Mariah Idrissi was born on 16 August 1992 in London, United Kingdom. As of 2025, she is 33 years old.
2. Who are Mariah Idrissi’s parents?
Mariah Idrissi’s father is Moroccan and her mother is Pakistani. This rich cultural background has played a key role in shaping her identity and career as a global representative of modest fashion and diversity.
3. What is Mariah Idrissi famous for?
She is best known as the world’s first hijab-wearing model featured in a major global campaign — H&M’s “Close the Loop” in 2015. Her participation marked a defining moment in fashion history by promoting inclusivity and representation.
4. What is Mariah Idrissi doing now?
Currently, Mariah Idrissi works as a model, writer, filmmaker, and cultural consultant. She is the founder of Blue City Films, a creative company based between the UK and the UAE, and she continues to collaborate with brands and charities on meaningful projects.
5. What is Mariah Idrissi’s nationality?
Mariah Idrissi is British by nationality. She was born and raised in London, where she continues to base much of her creative and professional work while also engaging internationally in Dubai and beyond.
