{"id":51645,"date":"2023-10-22T14:44:21","date_gmt":"2023-10-22T10:44:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/?post_type=articles&p=51645"},"modified":"2024-05-07T14:51:52","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T10:51:52","slug":"ikram-abdi-omar-cover-story","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/articles\/ikram-abdi-omar-cover-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Grazia Cover Star Ikram Abdi Omar On Breaking Down Stereotypes: “I\u2019m Helping Break In The Fashion Industry”"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"GRAZIA<\/a>
From GRAZIA\u2019s 7th print edition, \u201cElemental\u201d.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cFire really shows my peak of growth in fashion and personally,\u201d declares Ikram Abdi Omar. While it\u2019s not an element that perhaps would come to mind from first meeting her, once she steps in front of the camera it\u2019s almost as if a spark is lit from within. And, when you look closer, it\u2019s evident that she has an undeniable passion for pushing boundaries and a fierce determination that has ignited her career. Ikram embodies the very essence of the fiery spirit that fuels the fashion industry.<\/p>\n

Born in Sweden to Somali parents, the model moved to the UK when she was just eight years old. Describing her childhood as \u201cvery interesting\u201d, Ikram was a sporty individual and creative, always doing henna designs for her friends. But, it\u2019s fair to say, her mind was far removed from the world of fashion. In fact, it was a career in dentistry she had always envisioned herself pursuing \u2013 that was the masterplan. In 2017, Ikram began her studies in biomedical science at the University of West England (UWE) in Bristol. But, as with many masterplans, they tend to change.<\/p>\n

It was during her first year of university, just as she was beginning her path into the field of dentistry, when the fashion world came knocking. Or rather, Ikram came knocking for the fashion world. \u201cI applied to an agency. I wasn\u2019t scouted like many others,\u201d she recalls. It was a slow burn for her foray into the fashion field but, as she says, she worked her way up and \u201creally stayed dedicated to what goals I had in mind\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"GRAZIA<\/a>
From GRAZIA\u2019s 7th print edition, \u201cElemental\u201d.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dedicated indeed, in 2018 Ikram made her debut at London Fashion Week for British designer Molly Goddard\u2019s FW18 collection. Following that, modelling jobs naturally increased, but with attending university full-time, it became a balancing act that could no longer be balanced. \u201cLiving and studying in Bristol and trying to model in London was almost impossible to do,\u201d the 27-year-old admits. \u201cI knew I had to choose either fashion or university.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fashion and modelling space was where Ikram could see a vision for herself, and there was clearly a passion ignited to not only succeed in the industry but where she could see positive changes to be made. \u201cI went with modelling because I saw there was a market for me and felt that barriers could be broken,\u201d she affirms. While it was a path she could visualise for herself, taking the leap to leave university was met with uncertainty from her family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just had to step-by-step explain the goals and vision,\u201d Ikram explains. \u201cThey were a bit hesitant at first, but I have a great relationship with my parents, so the communication was always there\u2026 they trusted in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GRAZIA<\/a>
From GRAZIA\u2019s 7th print edition, \u201cElemental\u201d.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And Ikram was right. She was entering a space where there was ground to be made and barriers to break down and as a young hijab-wearing Muslim model, she was one of the first to do so. While there was a burning desire in her to make change, it was never about becoming the poster child for the industry or a role model, it was simply about showing other Muslim women that there is representation for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see myself as a role model but I understand why young girls who look like me look up to me,\u201d Ikram muses. \u201cIt\u2019s more about the changes I\u2019m helping break in the fashion industry and proving to everyone that no matter how you look, you can make it if you stay dedicated.\u201d<\/p>\n

A true sign of a burning desire to pave the way, Ikram is inspiring a whole new wave of young Muslim women. Having walked numerous catwalks at fashion weeks, both ready-to-wear and haute couture, and fronting huge fashion campaigns for the likes of Burberry and Nike, Ikram is here to show that \u201cfashion and modesty go hand-in-hand and you can look effortless dressing modestly.\u201d She adds, \u201cThere are so many ways you can look stylish and be with the fashion trends, but showing the modest twist with it is what I feel younger Muslim women are drawn to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GRAZIA<\/a>
From GRAZIA\u2019s 7th print edition, \u201cElemental\u201d.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is certainly something Ikram explored wearing Cartier\u2019s High Jewellery collection, Le Voyage Recommenc\u00e9, for GRAZIA Middle East\u2019s Elemental Series as \u2018Fire\u2019, a cover that was particularly evocative for her. \u201cClothes and the setting can really change how a model works,\u201d she notes. \u201cWhat was the most exciting was showcasing fire with the choices of clothing\u2026 I feel this really pushed me to tap into that fiery side of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her journey so far, it\u2019s evident this GRAZIA inferno and Ikram go hand-in-hand. \u201cThere is a spark of fire in me that really gets me through a lot of things. Without that, I feel I wouldn\u2019t be the person I am today.\u201d With this sheer grit and determination to succeed, the flame is firmly ablaze for Ikram.<\/p>\n

PHOTOGRAPHY<\/strong>: ESRA SAM
\nFASHION DIRECTOR<\/strong>: ANNA CASTAN
\nMODEL<\/strong>: IKRAM ABDI OMAR
\nTALENT\u2019S STYLIST<\/strong>: SIA\u0302N GABARI
\nHAIR<\/strong>: JEAN-LUC AMARIN
\nMAKEUP<\/strong>: ANDREY SEBAOUN
\nNAILS<\/strong>: NAFISSA DJABI
\nFASHION ASSISTANTS<\/strong>: IMOGENE LEGRAND & GABRIELA CAMBERO
\nWORDS<\/strong>: OLIVIA MORRIS<\/p>\n

\u201cFIRE AWAY\u201d IS PUBLISHED IN THE 7TH EDITION OF GRAZIA MIDDLE EAST ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42685,"featured_media":42413,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[65,35],"yoast_head":"\nIkram Abdi Omar: GRAZIA Cover Story Interview<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ikram Abdi Omar ignites passion and fire, showcasing the endless momentum of Cartier\u2019s high jewellery collection, Le Voyage Recommenc\u00e9\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/articles\/ikram-abdi-omar-cover-story\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Grazia Cover Star Ikram Abdi Omar On Breaking Down Stereotypes: "I\u2019m Helping Break In The Fashion Industry"\" \/>\n<meta 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