In an industry obsessed with visibility, Rawdah Mohamed’s presence is both striking and disruptive. A supermodel wrapped in elegance and conviction, she stands at the intersection of fashion and activism—rewriting the rules of beauty with each appearance, and proving that modesty, strength, and high style are not mutually exclusive.
✦ From Shadows to Spotlight: A Story of Strength
Born in Somalia, Rawdah Mohamed's early life was marked by displacement and resilience. She fled civil war with her family, spent time in a refugee camp in Kenya, and eventually resettled in Norway at the age of nine. Wearing the hijab from an early age, she was often met with misunderstanding, bullying, and even humiliation—including a teacher who once confiscated her veil in class.
But rather than dim her identity, these experiences became the foundation for her voice. One that would later echo across global runways and digital movements alike.
✦ The Art of Standing Out While Covering Up
Before fashion found her, Rawdah built a career in behavioral therapy and mental health. Working with children on the autism spectrum, she dedicated herself to care, empathy, and advocacy—values that continue to shape her role in fashion today.
Her first fashion week appearance in Oslo in 2019 was a revelation. With her mix of Scandinavian minimalism and Somali heritage, she embodied a new, striking silhouette: bold, modest, modern. She wasn’t merely dressing differently—she was dismantling the mold.
Her street style became instantly iconic. Wide belts, structured coats, fierce monochromes, and sculptural accessories—all worn unapologetically with her hijab. It wasn’t just a look; it was a statement.
✦ A Veiled Voice Heard Around the World
In 2021, Rawdah launched the global #HandsOffMyHijab movement in response to proposed legislation in France banning the hijab for minors. Her post—a fierce photo paired with a defiant caption—sparked an international conversation on religious freedom, identity, and the autonomy of Muslim women.
Rawdah became more than a model. She became a modern icon of resistance, gracing interviews with The Guardian, BBC, and Harper’s Bazaar, where she challenged western perceptions of liberation and femininity.
Her message was clear: modesty is not oppression. It is power, intention, and choice.
✦ Where Couture Meets Conviction
From walking for Roberto Cavalli at Dubai Fashion Week to campaigns with Cartier and Dolce & Gabbana, Rawdah has proven that modest fashion belongs on the grandest of stages. She is living proof that elegance does not have to be revealing to be revolutionary.
Her signature is instantly recognizable: sharp silhouettes, full-body glamour, and headscarves styled with architectural precision. She doesn’t hide; she commands.
✦ Editor, Icon, Game-Changer
In May 2021, Rawdah was appointed editor of Vogue Scandinavia—a seismic moment in fashion history. She became the first hijab-wearing editor of a major Vogue title, opening the doors to a new era of representation.
Her vision for the magazine was clear: amplify underrepresented voices, showcase beauty beyond Eurocentric norms, and celebrate fashion as an inclusive language.
✦ More Than a Model
Rawdah Mohamed isn’t just walking runways. She’s carving one—making space for those who were told they didn’t belong in the fashion world. Her story is a testament to resilience, elegance, and the quiet power of knowing who you are.
✦ Final Word: Dressed for Revolution
In Rawdah, we see a woman who has turned her veil into a banner of beauty and protest. She wears couture and culture with equal pride. She is not conforming to the world of fashion—she is reshaping it.
Rawdah Mohamed is not a trend. She is a turning point.
