INTERVIEW: Omnia Yonis Speaks On Sudanese Fashion, Before/After War: And The Resilience Of The Sudanese

Omnia Yonis is a Sudanese fashion entrepreneur, designer, and consultant. She co-founded VEGA House, a fashion brand that aims to elevate fashion awareness in Sudan for both genders, establish a strong foundation, and invest in fashion education and designers at both local and international levels.

Beyond her fashion endeavors, Omnia is active on social media platforms like TikTok, where she shares insights into her work and creative process. She also participated in the Barbiecore trend, showcasing a neon-colored Sudanese toub, blending traditional attire with contemporary fashion trends.

Omnia’s multifaceted career reflects her commitment to merging fashion and art creatively, contributing significantly to Sudan’s evolving fashion landscape. She has achieved so much in such a little time, and with the changing landscape of Sudan we decided to catch up with her and just find out what the situation with fashion in Sudan is like.

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FashionGHANA.com: Hello Omnia, first let’s start with what inspired you to start Vega House, and what sets it apart in the fashion industry?
Omnia Yonis: Honestly, Vega House grew from a simple conversation with my co-founder. We were talking about the gaps we saw in the Sudanese fashion scene, and two weeks later, we started. We launched with a couture line, but we quickly realized we needed a bigger platform. So, we built Vega House to include not just fashion but also education and community. It’s about creating a real ecosystem here.

FashionGHANA.com: You’ve worked with over 27 startups—what are the key ingredients for a successful fashion business?
Omnia Yonis: If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that adaptability is everything. The industry is always changing, and you have to be willing to evolve with it. Beyond that, knowing your customer, having a solid financial plan, and building a strong network are essential. It’s about balancing flexibility with a solid foundation.

FashionGHANA.com: How do you balance creativity and business strategy when working as a fashion consultant and stylist?
Omnia Yonis: Creativity is just part of who I am—I can’t turn it off. The balance depends on the project. When I’m styling, my creative instincts take the lead. When I’m consulting, I shift into strategic thinking and problem-solving. But ultimately, both aspects inform each other.

FashionGHANA.com: With over 2,000 members in your Sudanese fashion community, how do you see local talent shaping the global fashion scene?
Omnia Yonis: Our local talent is incredible. They’re already making waves in Africa, and I see them going much further. They have this amazing ability to merge our rich culture with global trends. They’re building a bridge between tradition and contemporary fashion.

FashionGHANA.com: Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a fashion entrepreneur in Sudan?
Omnia Yonis: It’s been tough, honestly. We deal with limited resources, an unpredictable economy, and unreliable infrastructure. We’re also building a fashion system from scratch without many local examples to follow. It takes resilience and creativity to push through.

FashionGHANA.com: Fashion is often seen as a form of activism—how do you use fashion to address social justice issues?
Omnia Yonis: For me, fashion is a way to empower my people. It’s about raising awareness of who we are, our heritage, and our struggles. As a Sudanese artist, I use fashion to send a message of strength and resilience.

FashionGHANA.com: As an SIYB-certified trainer, what advice would you give to young African designers trying to break into the industry?
Omnia Yonis: Never stop learning. Find mentors, build your network, and stay on top of industry trends. The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and those who succeed are the ones who stay curious and adaptable.

FashionGHANA.com: You’ve trained over 129 trainers and 40 human rights advocates—how does fashion intersect with human rights?
Omnia Yonis: Fashion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a powerful tool that touches nearly every aspect of our lives. That’s why I see it as a means for change. When we talk about human rights in fashion, we’re addressing ethical labor practices, women’s empowerment, sustainability, and fighting discrimination. Fashion has the power to drive real social impact.

FashionGHANA.com: How do you see the future of Sudanese fashion, and what role do you want to play in shaping it?
Omnia Yonis: I believe in our community. I see a future where Sudanese fashion is recognized globally, where we celebrate our culture on the world stage. My role is to build a strong community, empower talent, connect them to global opportunities, and be their voice.

Omnia is a well traveling fashion enthusiast, speaker and journalist, and like many others she is currently outside Sudan where there is an ongoing war, a power struggle between the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a powerful paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). According to reports, its a civil war that has killed 150,000 people and forced more than 11 million others from their homes, by some estimates, prompted the U.S. government on Tuesday to declare that a genocide had been perpetrated by one of the war’s main antagonists, the ethnic Arab militia known as the Rapid Support Forces. We decided to find out how this has impacted the state of fashion.

FashionGHANA.com: How has the ongoing war in Sudan impacted your work in fashion and the creative sector? What challenges are Sudanese designers and entrepreneurs facing due to the conflict?
Omnia Yonis: It’s been incredibly tough. The war has turned everything upside down. We’ve lost assets, people have been displaced, and the mental toll is huge. Our community networks are scattered, we’re struggling to access new markets, and capital has dried up. On top of that, we’re dealing with economic hardship and legal challenges. It’s a lot to navigate, but we’re finding ways to push forward.

FashionGHANA.com: How can the international fashion community support Sudanese creatives during this difficult time?
Omnia Yonis: What we need most is practical support. 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. These are the things that can make a real difference.

FashionGHANA.com: The conflict in Sudan is complex, but if stability returns, would we see a revival of fashion activities?
Omnia Yonis: Hopefully, things will improve. But regardless, we’re focused on building resilience. We’re creating opportunities and providing education, especially for women affected by the conflict. No matter what, we’re determined to keep pushing forward.

FashionGHANA.com: Where should fashion enthusiasts start if they want to explore Sudanese fashion culture or get involved?
Omnia Yonis: The easiest way is to join the Vega House community. We’re a welcoming group, and it’s a great place to start discovering Sudanese fashion.

FashionGHANA.com: Which countries have inspired you the most with their fashion culture?
Omnia Yonis: While I appreciate unique fashion expressions worldwide, I don’t confine my inspiration to a single nation. Fashion is a global language, a tapestry woven from countless influences. I find inspiration in ancient textiles, contemporary design, and cultural innovations from every corner of the world.

FashionGHANA.com: What can we expect from you in the near future?
Omnia Yonis: Expect the unexpected. I’m deeply committed to rebuilding our community and empowering women through fashion, but I’m also driven by innovation. While I can’t reveal specifics, know that I’m always exploring new creative avenues and finding ways to make a positive impact. I’ll continue being a driving force for change in the Sudanese fashion scene.

For more information and updates on Omnia Yonis, follow her here.