History‑making Somali model Khadija Omar has set social media ablaze with a pair of golden‑hour portraits that are pure regal fantasy – and she has a Nigerian designer to thank for the breathtaking look.
The first hijabi woman to represent Somalia at both Miss World and Miss Universe took to Instagram on Wednesday in a custom mermaid gown that marries Somali heritage textile with high‑octane Nigerian beadwork. The result? A dress, she says, made her “feel like myself most beautifully”.
“Nigerian design. Somali fabric. Two cultures, one gown that made me feel like myself most beautifully,” Khadija wrote alongside the images.
She specifically shouted out Priye Gift Awudu, the creative force behind Warri‑based luxury brand Erewor by Priye: “Priye, thank you for creating something so incredibly beautiful, every bead, every stitch, every detail. We’ve been working on something together, and I cannot wait to share it with you all. Stay tuned.”
A GOWN BORN FROM TWO WORLDS
Shot on a Moorish‑Andalusian palace balcony at golden hour, the images show Khadija in a nude‑illusion corset sculpted with deep burgundy velvet panels, completely covered in gold beading, crystals and dangling burgundy fringe. The beadwork swirls like henna across the bust and waist.
The fitted floor‑length skirt is cut from traditional striped Somali fabric – hido iyo dhaqan – in burgundy, mustard yellow, Black and gold pinstripes. It hugs her hips, flares into a dramatic beaded train, and is paired with a billowing burgundy chiffon veil caught mid‑air against a painterly sunset over the sea.
In one frame, she stands under a carved Moorish arch, hand touching her temple, soft glam makeup and sleek curly bun. In another, she turns in a 3/4 back pose, looking over her shoulder, the gown’s full silhouette on display – sheer nude back, gold fringe tassels, and a gold‑beaded slash detail at the knee.
FROM REFUGEE CAMP TO PAGEANT HISTORY
Khadija’s journey is as inspiring as her wardrobe. Born in the Hagadera refugee camp in Kenya, she migrated to Canada with her family in 2010 and went on to graduate from York University with a degree in psychology.
In 2021, she became the first hijabi contestant in Miss World history, placing in the Top 13. Last year, she was appointed the inaugural Miss Universe Somalia, representing her country at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico.
She is also a professional retoucher, makeup artist, and the founder of K‑Amani Beauty, a movement redefining beauty standards. Her “Beauty with a Purpose” project focuses on climate migrants in Somalia, working with the UNHCR.
‘EVERY BEAD, EVERY STITCH’
The Erewor by Priye brand is known for intricate hand‑beading, engineered corsetry and a devotion to “honouring the female form”. Based in Warri, Delta State, it specialises in bespoke bridal and evening wear, with a growing international clientele.
Khadija’s public thanks – and her tease of “something” in the works – has already sent followers into a frenzy. “The crossover we didn’t know we needed,” one fan wrote. “African excellence right here,” said another.
For now, the queen of Somali pageantry leaves us with this: “Stay tuned.” And if this gown is any clue, whatever comes next will be worth the wait.
