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Rawdah Mohamed: The Trailblazer Redefining Scandinavian Fashion ( PROFILE)

  • Writer: Scandi Womanista
    Scandi Womanista
  • Mar 21
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 11

Presenting to you the one and only Rawdah Mohamed. A force to be reckoned with and a perfect representation of what Scandi Womanista is about—representation, because it matters. It matters because visibility shapes reality. It tells young girls that they belong, that their stories deserve to be told, and that their beauty and identity are not up for debate. It matters because when we see ourselves reflected in the world around us, we stand taller, dream bigger, and push further.



Rawdah Mohamed: The Trailblazer Redefining Scandinavian Fashion


Rawdah Mohamed never fit into a mold. And frankly, she never wanted to.

From the refugee camps of Somalia to the glossy pages of Vogue Scandinavia, her journey is one of resilience, identity, and unapologetic self-expression. But make no mistake—Rawdah isn’t just a model draped in designer fabrics. She’s a force, a woman rewriting the rules of fashion and culture in a region that has long been reluctant to change.


A Childhood Between Worlds


Rawdah’s story begins in Somalia, where she was born before fleeing the country’s unrest with her family. They sought refuge in Norway, a country vastly different from the world she came from. As a child, she navigated two realities—one at home, steeped in Somali traditions, and the other in Norwegian society, where she often stood out.

School was no easy terrain. The quiet cold of Norway was nothing compared to the icy stares and the constant questioning of her identity. But even as a young girl, Rawdah refused to shrink herself to fit in. She wore her hijab with pride, even when it made her a target for bullying. Instead of retreating, she sharpened her voice, her style, and her purpose.


Breaking Into Fashion on Her Own Terms

Fashion wasn’t always a welcoming space for a Black, hijab-wearing woman in Norway. But Rawdah saw it as an opportunity, not a limitation. Instead of waiting for doors to open, she kicked them down herself.

She started by posting bold, unapologetic fashion looks on Instagram—pairing high fashion with her hijab, proving that modesty and style weren’t mutually exclusive. Her striking presence caught the attention of the industry, and soon, she was walking runways and gracing magazine covers.



Then came 2021, when France’s proposed hijab ban ignited global outrage. Rawdah didn’t just speak out—she led the charge with the viral #HandsOffMyHijab campaign. Her words became a rallying cry for Muslim women everywhere, a declaration that they would not be stripped of their right to choose.


The First Hijabi Editor of Vogue Scandinavia


Rawdah’s influence wasn’t just online; it was shaping the industry from within. Vogue Scandinavia took note and made a historic decision—appointing her as an editor. The move was more than just a title; it was a statement that Scandinavian fashion was ready to embrace its diverse reality.

As an editor, she’s doing more than curating trends. She’s changing the narrative. Under her leadership, Vogue Scandinavia is showcasing underrepresented voices, breaking stereotypes, and proving that Scandinavian beauty is not one-size-fits-all.



A Future Without Limits


Rawdah Mohamed isn’t just a fashion icon—she’s a cultural shift. She’s showing the world that you can honor your roots while redefining the future. That modest fashion is powerful. That representation isn’t a favor—it’s a necessity.

Her journey is a testament to resilience, rebellion, and reinvention. And as she continues to break barriers, one thing is certain—Scandinavian fashion will never be the same again.

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