Toward a Civilized Somali Fashion: A Call for Creative Collaboration to Revive Our Visual Identity

Bump :samwelcome: I still want the link if you're still using discord
InshALLAH we'll find the necessary to bring our ideas into life. Inspiration is really in the air.
I want the link too !!! I feel like it’d be really fun.

@Cali Maxamed Lmk when the discord is available because I have ideas I want to share.
There’s so much potential with this colour combination. (I had this pic saved from a random tiktok)
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It seems the forum doesn't allow sharing Discord links.

This is my Instagram account — I’ll post the link in the bio.

Apologies, I've been quite busy these days.
 
I'm still new to using Discord, but I’ve noticed that most design teams use it and highly recommend it. That’s why I decided to give it a try for our movement. Over time, we’ll design a proper logo, appoint moderators, and start reaching out to Somali media figures and influencers to help promote our cause. We aim to attract professionals, hobbyists, and anyone with creative ideas to contribute to the movement. You know what I mean — this is just the beginning, and with time, we'll grow stronger together.
 
General Description of Design 2 – From a Collection of 5 Traditional Somali Women’s Outfits

The name of this outfit is currently unknown. It may be beneficial to consult Somali linguists to either discover its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one. It is typically worn in everyday life and casual social occasions. The design consists of three main components:
• A long, loose blouse
• A flared skirt adorned with repeated horizontal patterns
• A decorative fabric belt tied around the waist

A key requirement of the ensemble is visual harmony between the color of the blouse, the skirt’s patterns, and the decorative belt, ensuring a cohesive and elegant appearance.

1. Blouse
• Length: Mid-thigh
• Cut: Loose-fitting with full-length sleeves, comfortable and buttonless
• Color: Solid color with no printed or embroidered patterns
• Ornamentation:
• No decorative trim along the bottom hem or sleeve edges
• Clean and minimalist design to balance the more detailed skirt

2. Skirt (Worn Below the Blouse)
• Cut: Extra wide and flowing for ease of movement; ankle-length
• Ornamentation:
• Decorated with repeated horizontal stripes in traditional motifs
• The stripe colors must harmonize with the blouse and belt
• Example: A blue blouse would pair well with a skirt featuring stripes in shades of blue, grey, and white

3. Decorative Belt
• Type: Long, ornamental fabric belt
• Styling: Wrapped around the waist and tied at the front, with ends left to drape elegantly
• Design:
• Made from the same fabric or colors as the skirt, or in a complementary tone
• Used to define the waist and enhance the silhouette without restricting movement


Here is a similar design I found online, which I heavily modified using Photoshop to better illustrate the concept :
1000067713.jpg


This image demonstrates how to embellish horizontal lines on a skirt paired with a plain, unadorned blouse, highlighting the harmony between the two pieces :
screenshot_Snaptik.app_7360238913551666437_1753816920223.png


And this is how the belt is wrapped and tied :

20250724_220446.jpg
 
I've got designs. I'm just waiting to have the money to buy a sewing machine and fabric. Mass producing will be a pain though.

Have you thought about material yet?
 
General Description of Design 2 – From a Collection of 5 Traditional Somali Women’s Outfits

The name of this outfit is currently unknown. It may be beneficial to consult Somali linguists to either discover its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one. It is typically worn in everyday life and casual social occasions. The design consists of three main components:
• A long, loose blouse
• A flared skirt adorned with repeated horizontal patterns
• A decorative fabric belt tied around the waist

A key requirement of the ensemble is visual harmony between the color of the blouse, the skirt’s patterns, and the decorative belt, ensuring a cohesive and elegant appearance.

1. Blouse
• Length: Mid-thigh
• Cut: Loose-fitting with full-length sleeves, comfortable and buttonless
• Color: Solid color with no printed or embroidered patterns
• Ornamentation:
• No decorative trim along the bottom hem or sleeve edges
• Clean and minimalist design to balance the more detailed skirt

2. Skirt (Worn Below the Blouse)
• Cut: Extra wide and flowing for ease of movement; ankle-length
• Ornamentation:
• Decorated with repeated horizontal stripes in traditional motifs
• The stripe colors must harmonize with the blouse and belt
• Example: A blue blouse would pair well with a skirt featuring stripes in shades of blue, grey, and white

3. Decorative Belt
• Type: Long, ornamental fabric belt
• Styling: Wrapped around the waist and tied at the front, with ends left to drape elegantly
• Design:
• Made from the same fabric or colors as the skirt, or in a complementary tone
• Used to define the waist and enhance the silhouette without restricting movement


Here is a similar design I found online, which I heavily modified using Photoshop to better illustrate the concept :
View attachment 368746

This image demonstrates how to embellish horizontal lines on a skirt paired with a plain, unadorned blouse, highlighting the harmony between the two pieces :
View attachment 368747

And this is how the belt is wrapped and tied :

View attachment 368748

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I've got designs. I'm just waiting to have the money to buy a sewing machine and fabric. Mass producing will be a pain though.

Have you thought about material yet?
I'll leave the choice of fabric and materials to the tailor. I want them to experiment and see what works best for the design, the Somali body type, and what suits the Somali climate while bringing out the best final look.
 
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No, I don’t have a tailor, and I’m honestly broke. I’m not planning to start a fashion brand either. I just want to publish a book with the designs — and they’ll be free for anyone to use, even for business.

My goal isn’t profit. I just want to do something meaningful for my people and leave behind a legacy for the next generations, so they won’t look back and ask why we didn’t do anything.
 

Garaannabad

Hawshu waa hal abur Qoofeed. Maha daba daaq sidi..
I'm still new to using Discord, but I’ve noticed that most design teams use it and highly recommend it. That’s why I decided to give it a try for our movement. Over time, we’ll design a proper logo, appoint moderators, and start reaching out to Somali media figures and influencers to help promote our cause. We aim to attract professionals, hobbyists, and anyone with creative ideas to contribute to the movement. You know what I mean — this is just the beginning, and with time, we'll grow stronger together.
You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.
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