10 Things You Should Know About (Role) Model Hanne Gaby Odiele
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She's walked in shows like Gambattista Valli and Marc Jacobs, wore a wedding cape down the aisle, and became Alexander Wang's muse in 2009. But Hanne Gaby Odiele wasn't thrust into the social media spotlight until this week, when she came out to the public as intersex.
The 28-year-old model from Kortrijk, Belgium, revealed that she was born with an X and Y chromosome and had kept the secret quiet for years, only telling good friend Alexander Wang about five years ago. "It is very important to me in my life right now to break the taboo," she said to USA Today. "At this point, in this day and age, it should be perfectly alright to talk about this."
Since sharing her story, Hanne is now a strong advocate in raising awareness about intersex people and campaigning against nonconsensual corrective surgeries. For Hanne, being born intersex has had little effect on her success in the industry, giving her an impressive fashion résumé. Ahead, read up on this empowering model because she's the cool girl you instantly spot on the streets at Fashion Week and someone who you'd want to be friends with.
Hanne Gaby Odiele Is a 28-Year-Old Model From Belgium
The Model's Known For Her Androgynous Tomboy Style
She Got Her Start Walking For Alexander Wang in 2009
Since then, she's developed a lifelong friendship with the designer and has walked in several of his shows.
Hanne Even Chose Her Wedding Dress From Alexander Wang's Last Balenciaga Collection
She wore a cape down the aisle, before taking it off to reveal the special dress from the runway.
Her Résumé Includes Shows Like Anna Sui
Tommy Hilfiger
Giambattista Valli
Since Coming Out as Intersex, Hanne's Vocal About Advocacy and Support on the Topic
The model gave an in-depth interview to Vogue, saying, "It was important for me to make this declaration now, based on where I am in my life. I want to live authentically as who I am and help to break down the stigma that intersex persons face— but also to use the profile that I’ve built through modeling to give back to those without a voice. I want to be there for people who are struggling, to tell them it’s OK — it’s one part of you, but it’s not who you are.”
Not Only Is Hanne a Fashion Model, but She's a Role Model
"Being a model is like a big compliment, but it can be so one-sided," she said to Vogue. "I knew I wanted to use it at some point as a platform to give back, to do something, to tell people: You can be accepted however you happen to be! The ‘norm’ is not what you think it is.”