Omnia Yonis, co-founder of VEGA House, is revolutionizing the fashion landscape in Sudan by establishing education and support for local designers amid ongoing conflict.
Omnia Yonis, a Sudanese fashion entrepreneur, designer, and consultant, has made a significant impact on the evolving fashion landscape in Sudan. Co-founding VEGA House, she aims to enhance fashion awareness across genders in Sudan, along with establishing a strong infrastructure for fashion education and supporting local designers.
Yonis’s journey in the fashion industry commenced from a conversation with her co-founder regarding gaps in the Sudanese fashion scene, which rapidly led to the establishment of VEGA House. “We launched with a couture line, but we quickly realized we needed a bigger platform,” she explained to FashionGHANA.com. The brand now encompasses not only fashion but also education and community engagement, crafting a comprehensive ecosystem for Sudan’s fashion sector.
With over 27 startups under her consultancy, Omnia Yonis identifies adaptability as a crucial element for success in fashion. Her advice to aspiring designers emphasizes understanding the customer, maintaining financial stability, and nurturing a robust network. “Adaptability is everything,” she stated, highlighting the need to evolve continuously as the industry changes.
Yonis also actively engages with the creative process while balancing business strategy in her work as a stylist and consultant. “The balance depends on the project,” she noted, illustrating how her approach varies based on whether she’s styling or providing strategic guidance.
As a champion for local talent, she recognizes the potential of Sudanese designers to influence global fashion trends. “They have this amazing ability to merge our rich culture with global trends,” she remarked, indicating a promising future for local creatives. Despite facing substantial challenges including limited resources and economic instability, her focus remains on resilience and growth within the community, especially for women affected by the ongoing conflict.
The current civil war in Sudan has had a drastic impact on various sectors, including fashion. The conflict, marked by a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. Approximately 150,000 fatalities and over 11 million people forced from their homes have been reported. In light of this situation, Yonis has shared the profound challenges confronting Sudanese designers and entrepreneurs.
“It’s been incredibly tough. The war has turned everything upside down,” she said in an interview with FashionGHANA.com. She described the difficulties of lost assets, diminished community networks, and the mental toll on the industry. “We’re struggling to access new markets, and capital has dried up. It’s a lot to navigate, but we’re finding ways to push forward.”
Looking ahead, Yonis expressed hope for the revival of fashion activities in Sudan should stability return. She emphasized the importance of practical support from the international fashion community, suggesting that collaboration and resource sharing could make a substantial difference in aiding Sudanese creatives during this challenging period.
“Opening up market access, sharing resources and skills, collaborating with our designers, and, most importantly, providing safe spaces for those who’ve had to flee,” she articulated as vital forms of support.
Yonis remains determined to contribute positively to the fashion sector, indicating that future initiatives will focus on education and empowering women entrepreneurs. “Expect the unexpected,” she stated, alluding to continual exploration and innovation within her work.
As the future of Sudanese fashion continues to evolve against the backdrop of conflict, Yonis’s role as a driving force for change showcases the potential resilience within the community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
