Toward a Civilized Somali Fashion: A Call for Creative Collaboration to Revive Our Visual Identity
- Thread starter Cali Maxamed
- Start date
BumpI still want the link if you're still using discord
It seems the forum doesn't allow sharing Discord links.
This is my Instagram account — I’ll post the link in the bio.
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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 :
This image demonstrates how to embellish horizontal lines on a skirt paired with a plain, unadorned blouse, highlighting the harmony between the two pieces :
And this is how the belt is wrapped and tied :
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 :
This image demonstrates how to embellish horizontal lines on a skirt paired with a plain, unadorned blouse, highlighting the harmony between the two pieces :
And this is how the belt is wrapped and tied :
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..
You so real, I'm starting to trust you for real.
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Maybe the link expired — I’ll update it and put the new one in my bio. Please check again now.
Garaannabad
Hawshu waa hal abur Qoofeed. Maha daba daaq sidi..
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Last edited:
Garaannabad
Hawshu waa hal abur Qoofeed. Maha daba daaq sidi..
Sorry I've found that link, I was typing it in the wrong space. Fine I found the server. Thanks
Who We AreWelcome to Somali Style, a creative movement dedicated to reviving, documenting, and reimagining Somali clothing through design.
This Discord server was created as a meeting point for Somali designers, illustrators, researchers, cultural thinkers, and anyone passionate about Somali identity. Our shared goal is to build a thriving and independent fashion culture rooted in our authentic heritage—free from foreign influences that do not represent us.
Our MissionWe believe that Somali fashion—deeply inspired by our heritage—deserves to shine on a global stage, with all its beauty, authenticity, and pride.
This movement was born from a sincere desire to:
• Develop modern Somali fashion, grounded in authenticity and pride in identity
• Bring together creative minds to share ideas, skills, and artistic visions
• Inspire a new visual identity we can wear, celebrate, and preserve
• Turn sketches and concepts into real, wearable designs
• Officially register Somali dress as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
Our Goals• Create a unified platform for Somali designers to collaborate and grow
• Provide an inspiring environment and supportive resources to produce high-quality work
• Document and revive traditional Somali patterns, symbols, and colors
• Instill pride and imagination in the hearts of youth and future generations
Why This Platform?We’re not just a design group—we’re a cultural initiative.
This space is home to every Somali who wants to explore, reimagine, or support Somali fashion.
Our inspiration comes from the Hanfu Revival Movement in China, where young people revived traditional Chinese clothing and made it a part of both daily and celebratory life.
We aim to achieve the same for Somalis—to design a modern Somali style, rooted in the past and ready for the future.
Whether you’re a designer, artist, thinker, or supporter—you belong here.
Let’s weave a new legacy together… a legacy that looks like us.
Discord link : discord .gg/tPQGceEf
Note: I have added a space between 'discord' and '.gg/tPQGceGf'. When you copy it, remove the space and you will reach the server, as it seems this platform rejects Discord links.
Last edited:
@ditto
Welcome to Somali Style, a creative movement dedicated to reviving, documenting, and reimagining Somali clothing through design.
This Discord server was created as a meeting point for Somali designers, illustrators, researchers, cultural thinkers, and anyone passionate about Somali identity. Our shared goal is to build a thriving and independent fashion culture rooted in our authentic heritage—free from foreign influences that do not represent us.
We believe that Somali fashion—deeply inspired by our heritage—deserves to shine on a global stage, with all its beauty, authenticity, and pride.
This movement was born from a sincere desire to:
• Develop modern Somali fashion, grounded in authenticity and pride in identity
• Bring together creative minds to share ideas, skills, and artistic visions
• Inspire a new visual identity we can wear, celebrate, and preserve
• Turn sketches and concepts into real, wearable designs
• Officially register Somali dress as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Create a unified platform for Somali designers to collaborate and grow
• Provide an inspiring environment and supportive resources to produce high-quality work
• Document and revive traditional Somali patterns, symbols, and colors
• Instill pride and imagination in the hearts of youth and future generations
We’re not just a design group—we’re a cultural initiative.
This space is home to every Somali who wants to explore, reimagine, or support Somali fashion.
Our inspiration comes from the Hanfu Revival Movement in China, where young people revived traditional Chinese clothing and made it a part of both daily and celebratory life.
We aim to achieve the same for Somalis—to design a modern Somali style, rooted in the past and ready for the future.
Whether you’re a designer, artist, thinker, or supporter—you belong here.
Let’s weave a new legacy together… a legacy that looks like us.
Discord link : discord .gg/tPQGceEf
Note: I have added a space between 'discord' and '.gg/tPQGceGf'. When you copy it, remove the space and you will reach the server, as it seems this platform rejects Discord links.
@Devilsadvocate
Let me know your username after you join
Let me know your username after you join
I reached out to Hanan Channel on TikTok — she's a well-known Somali influencer — and she agreed to promote the project by reposting my account. This way, people who are interested in the project can contact me and join.
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