A Cool Athlete Talks About Her (Unexpected) Life In Fashion
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I took up boxing because I was bullied in school. I was 12 and severely overweight. The sport demands discipline; it was a slow progression, but I loved that element of it. Initially, I had no interest in pursuing boxing professionally. Women in sport are not treated the same way as men – marketing, promotion and disparity in pay for example – but I knew what I wanted to achieve. Representing Somalia in the Olympics, at the world championships and professionally in Saudi Arabia have been my life’s defining moments. It’s the reason I first took up the sport, to do something that had never been done before – not just for me but for Somali people.
My interest in fashion and modelling started as a means to finance my sporting career. In 2018, artist and photographer Joost Vandebrug shot me for Twin Magazine. It was my first editorial shoot, and it sparked a domino effect: I started getting noticed by various publications and brands, leading to more campaigns and fashion shows. That initial opportunity ultimately paved the way for my selection as one of the Forces for Change cover stars in British Vogue's highest-grossing September issue, where I had the honour of being photographed by the legendary Peter Lindbergh. As a non-funded athlete representing my country, every competition and trip abroad was a financial strain for myself and my husband. Without fashion, I wouldn't have had the chance to pursue my passions, experience this incredible life and support my family.
My 2022 MET Gala experience was unlike that of any other attendee. For years, my husband and manager had been trying to secure an invitation for me, but with invites usually sent out three to four months in advance, we thought this year would be just another missed opportunity. Then, just as I was heading to the airport, we received a call from our friends at Cartier. With only four days to prepare, I had no outfit, stylist, make-up artist or hair stylist lined up. When I landed in New York, I had just one day to pull everything together. I reached out to Alec Maxwell, Edward Enninful’s husband and he connected me with Dena Giannini, who agreed to style me. Within an hour, I found myself at a fitting with Giambattista Valli, trying on a dress that I instantly fell in love with. Representing the brand at the MET Gala was a landmark moment for me. I also had the incredible opportunity to meet some of the most influential figures in music and fashion, including Anna Wintour, Emma Corrin, Riz Ahmed, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.
I've been fortunate to wear some beautiful Cartier pieces, including at the British Fashion Awards. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Laurent Feniou, the managing director of Cartier UK. From that initial meeting, our relationship has blossomed into a meaningful partnership. It meant a lot that Cartier was one of the first major luxury brands to believe in me. Its support for my charity, The Sisters Club, has resulted in significant impact over the years.
The Sisters Club aims to create a community and safe space that didn’t exist for me growing up. Back in 2018, I looked at my older sisters who wear the hijab and realised that these are the women who are consistently overlooked when it comes to opportunities and access to sports. The Sisters Club started as a once-a-week free boxing group for women of ethnic and religious minorities, as well as those who suffer from domestic and sexual abuse. Now, we operate four weekly boxing classes in London, one in New York; a run club in London and Florida; and a basketball and football club in London. We look after over 1,800 women across our various sports every month, and all the classes are free. Through our partnership with Siro, the ongoing vision is to expand our classes and community spaces outside of the UK and the US, starting with the UAE.
In fashion, I'm called the athlete or boxer; in sport, I'm the fashion model. I embrace it; being able to work across both industries simultaneously is a privilege. I’m forever trying to bring these two worlds together. I’ve been fortunate to become friends with the creative directors of some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses – Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Off-White and Christian Dior – all of whom have created one-of-a-kind bespoke fight outfits for me. I was among some of the first athletes to partner directly with fashion houses in this way. The more recognition and noise women can create in sport, the better it will be for future generations.
Representation matters everywhere. There are more women in the fashion industry than women in sport. Plus, when you work in fashion as a female, you’re respected. As a woman in sport, the balance isn’t the same, and that’s a result of the lack of women in the boardroom at sports broadcasters, promotional companies, marketing agencies and sports brands. Fortunately, the hierarchy and business side of fashion has many women and women of diverse backgrounds across the board. If there’s one similarity between the two, it would be that you need to be relentless. Rejection and failure are common in all careers – you can’t give up.
@RamlaAli
Being a champion for women’s rights and diversity means everything to me. Competing for medals, belts and titles is wonderful, but at the same time, it isn’t the most important thing. To the next generation of young women, I want to say that no matter which area of the industry you aspire to enter, don’t be discouraged by the current lack of representation. You have the power to be the catalyst for change. It’s often those of us who blaze new trails who face the greatest challenges but remember, your efforts will pave the way.
There are many women I find inspirational, but one who truly stands out is Ilwad Elman. She’s a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and she runs the Elman Peace Group in Mogadishu, Somalia, where she is doing incredible, selfless work. Ilwad is implementing systemic change within our culture, prioritising women's rights and needs. By ensuring that sport and education are accessible to those less fortunate, she is helping to create the future female leaders of our country.
In sport, fashion, activism and beyond – there’s a lot I’m looking forward to. I’m hoping to compete again in January or February for the world boxing title. I’m also working on collaborating with another major fashion house that’s going to create my next fight kit for this competition, among other exciting editorial shoots. Finally, I’m returning to East Africa to raise awareness about the incredible work that UNICEF, another of my partners, is doing for women in the region. I’m also going to expand The Sisters Club into other markets around the world.
A movie about my life, titled In The Shadows, is set to be released next summer in cinemas across the UK, US and the Middle East. Starring BAFTA-winning actress Jasmine Jobson, the film explores themes of migration, interracial love and the quest for peace and purpose in life. To me, true legacy isn’t about personal achievement, be it financial or otherwise, it’s about inspiring others. When I receive messages from young girls and women of all ages who have taken up sports, pursued careers in fashion, or gotten involved in philanthropic work because of me, that’s what I am most proud of.
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