Sudan holds first unisex fashion shows after Bashir ouster

Sudanese designers organise a series of mixed-gender fashion shows to present their new lines. (AFP)
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Updated 04 November 2020
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Sudan holds first unisex fashion shows after Bashir ouster

  • Spectator Sawsan Hassan recalled how policemen under Bashir used to stop her for simply not wearing a headscarf
  • A decade ago, Hassan had attended a fashion show in Sudan that ended with organisers and models behind bars

KHARTOUM: In a move that would have been almost unthinkable under ousted president Omar Al-Bashir, Sudanese designers have organised a series of mixed-gender fashion shows to present their new lines.
The shows in upmarket Khartoum hotels saw female and male models parading down the catwalk together for the first time since before Bashir seized power more than three decades ago.
"In the old days, it was very difficult to organise a show like this. One would not dream of getting approval for it from authorities," Sudanese designer Khaled Onsa told AFP.
"We used to face repression instead, but now we are ruled by a system that guarantees public freedoms."
Bashir, a general who seized power in a coup in 1989, ruled Sudan with an iron fist until his ouster in a palace coup in April last year following months of mass protests on the streets.
He imposed a harsh form of Islamic law, criminalising everything from drinking alcohol to women wearing clothes deemed as "revealing".
The transitional government installed after his overthrow has set about dismantling his legacy of repression.
It scrapped Sudan's 1996 public order laws which empowered policemen to take action against people dressed "indecently".
Female designer Nermin Awad Sharif, who organised one of the shows, said there had never been much opposition to such events among the people.
"What we offer are outfits that everyone will accept," she told AFP. "I don't think anyone in Sudanese society would object to them."
Model Barza Mostafa said the show was an opportunity to introduce fashion to the Sudanese people and Sudan to the fashion world.
"We want to introduce the world to our culture," she said. "Previously, people did not understand the idea of a fashion show but now we can see the audience watching and interacting."
Spectator Sawsan Hassan recalled how policemen under Bashir used to stop her for simply not wearing a headscarf.
A decade ago, Hassan had attended a fashion show in Sudan that ended with organisers and models behind bars.
"Some were even flogged," she said.
Designer Hossam Mohamed Ahmed believes the shows are testament to the spirit of change in Sudan.
"I can now show people my designs. It was impossible before," he said.
Mahid Muhammad, who attended one of the shows with his three sisters, proudly showed short video clips he had taken with his mobile phone.
"This is Sudan in its full freedom," he said.


Repossi taps May Calamawy for latest campaign

Updated 08 February 2026
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Repossi taps May Calamawy for latest campaign

DUBAI: Italian jewelry label Repossi has tapped Egyptian-Palestinian Hollywood star May Calamawy to star in its Ramadan 2026 campaign.

The campaign, which was shot in Sharjah in the UAE, features Calamawy showing off pieces by the Paris-headquartered label that is known for taking inspiration from architecture and modern art.

Shot inside Zaha Hadid Architects’ BEEAH Headquarters in Sharjah, Calamawy can be seen wearing signature pieces from the Blast and Serti Sur Vide collection, as well as other classic collections by the brand.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by May Calamawy (@calamawy)

“Celebrating Repossi Savoir-Faire, Heritage and Architectural Poetry (sic),” the actress captioned the campaign video, which she shared with her 354,000 followers on Instagram.

Calamawy is known for her roles in the US Netflix series “Ramy” and “Moon Knight” (2022), where she plays dual characters Layla El-Faouly and the Scarlet Scarab.

She made headlines in late 2024 when almost all her scenes were cut from Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” with fans taking to social media to complain.

Her casting in the film was first announced in May 2023.

At the time, Deadline reported that Scott had cast Calamawy after a lengthy search, writing: “While many of the leading roles were straight offers, Scott wanted to do a similar search he did for the (Paul) Mescal part for the role that Calamawy ultimately landed.”

In January, the star took to Instagram to promote her latest project, which hits theaters in April.

“The Mummy,” a new feature from award-winning Irish writer and director Lee Cronin, will be released on April 17 and features Calamawy alongside Mexican actress Veronica Falcon, Jack Reynor, and Laia Costa. 

The film is produced by Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and New Line Cinema.

“The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare,” the film’s official logline reads.

Calamawy is also known for her activism and regularly takes to social media to support charity initiatives raising money and awareness for Gaza.

In December, she promoted the song “Lullaby,” which the Together for Palestine charity is trying to propel to the Christmas No. 1 spot in the UK chart to raise money for the people of Palestine.