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British Actress Wears Sudanese Dress in Solidarity with Sudanese Women

Moatinoon
In one of the most eye-catching moments on the red carpet at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, renowned British actress Michaela Coel decided to make her presence a platform for solidarity par excellence. Her lavish gown wasnt by Dior, Valentino, or Saint Laurent, but rather an outfit inspired by traditional Sudanese dress, designed by Sudanese designer Heba Rahma and made entirely by Sudanese women.

"Everything I wear is made by Sudanese women," Coel said from the festival stage. She added that this initiative wasnt just an aesthetic choice, but a way to shine a light on a country that has been suffering from a devastating war since 2023, causing famine, violence, and the displacement of more than 12 million people.

Michaela Coel is a British actress, writer, and television director of Ghanaian descent, and an Academy Award winner for creating and starring in the comedy series "Chewing Gum."

Honoring Sudanese Women Amidst War
She didnt just wear the Sudanese dress; even the jewelry she chose had deep cultural connotations: the "Moon Bouba" earrings and necklace, designed by Nisreen Coco, were inspired by southern and central Sudan. The henna tattoo applied to her body by an artist who described it as taking five hours was a symbol of the story of a persecuted color and the struggle of a Sudanese woman in the diaspora to express her identity despite displacement.

In two interviews, with Harpers Bazaar and Vogue, Cowell explained that wearing Sudanese fashion and accessories was a tribute to Sudanese women who endure double suffering in the midst of war. From mothers who lose their children, to refugees fleeing conflict zones, to women who continue to fight for life and dignity.

The gold she wore wasnt just an adornment; it carried a message in itself. "Gold has always held a special meaning for Sudanese women," said Coel. "It represents not only beauty but also protection. Today, amidst this war, that symbolism has become a tragedy. Wearing this gold embodies the sacrifices and immense suffering of Sudanese women."

Women on the Front Row
Coel reminded the festival audience and global film industry supporters that Sudanese women have not been absent from their countrys political and social movements—quite the opposite.

"Sudanese women have been on the front lines of every revolution in Sudan. The 2019 revolution was even described as a womens revolution. I was inspired by their resilience and determination, and I wanted to honor them and help give their stories a platform to be appreciated."

Fashion as a Tool of Solidarity
With this look, which combined traditional dress with jewelry inspired by Sudanese heritage, Coel transformed the red carpet into a space for solidarity with Sudanese women, cementing the idea that fashion can be a tool of solidarity and a humanitarian message, not just a mere aesthetic.

At a time when Sudans voice is absent from many international platforms, Cowells presence in Toronto was a poignant reminder that the humanitarian tragedy there continues, and that women, in particular, are paying the heaviest price.

During the festival, which runs from September 4 to 14, honorees such as Idris Elba, Guillermo del Toro, and Nina Hoss urged the international community to show compassion and solidarity, citing a world in dire need of human compassion, according to the womens magazine Fuchsia. Proceeds from his headline concert will go toward talent development at the festival and supporting creative artists.