SN3 Studio: The studio setting the stage for Sudanese artistry and storytelling

With roots in Khartoum and Riyadh, SN3 Studio is channelling the power of streetwear to articulate Sudanese identity on the global stage. Founded by friends Ahmed Shareef, Abdallah Abbas, and Mahdi Jali, the multidisciplinary design house celebrates Sudanese and African creativity through fashion, art, filmmaking, architecture, and design. 

 “We envision a creative space in the region that thrives independently, free from reliance on Western influence or investment—a space that is genuinely autonomous and self-sustaining,” Dubai Based SN3 studio tells Dazed MENA. The trio met at university, bonding over their shared frustration with the absence of authentic Sudanese representation in the fashion world. “We quickly realised that voices like ours weren’t being represented in the fashion world…So, we decided to create a space where people like us could have the freedom to create and be heard.”

What began as a shared bond between friends has evolved into a concrete mission to empower local creatives through collaboration: “Our work is deeply rooted in Sudanese creativity and through that perspective, we collaborate with local talents from across the region to bring our vision to life,” they explain. Their recent film, Children of the Nile—The Sun and The Rain, exemplifies this commitment, crafted in partnership with Crude, a local MENA-based collective of gifted artists. Made with the help of a local production house, the project embodies the studio’s dedication to keeping Sudanese stories in the hands of Sudanese storytellers. 

Their work is especially urgent as Sudan faces rampant human rights violations, including mass displacement and forced starvation. In response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in their country, SN3 launched their Birds of Sudan T-shirt, designed with Arabic calligraphy by Sudanese artist Dafa’Allah Ali. The shirts’ designs tell their stories through Ali’s imagery: the Cinnamon weaver soaring above the Nile and the Red Swallow gliding over the Red Sea, underscoring tales of leaving and returning—a narrative familiar to Sudanese diasporic communities. Proceeds from the project were donated to organisations providing aid to those affected by the war. 

SN3’s upcoming Children of the Nile collection draws inspiration from the Nile as a cradle of civilisation, their pieces reflecting a reverence for heritage and history. But SN3’s vision extends beyond fashion. “Our ultimate goal is to fully own our production process in Sudan: Sudanese cotton T-shirts, crafted by Sudanese hands, printed by Sudanese artisans,” they explain. “We envision a circular creative economy that not only supports a thriving fashion industry within our homeland but also shares our vision with the world.”

The studio will launch a jewellery collection in January, featuring 20 limited-edition handmade rings crafted by a third-generation jeweller from Omdurman, Sudan. “We filmed his process and interviewed him about his craft and connection before the war,” the team explains to Dazed MENA. “At the time, he spoke of his deep roots and hesitation to leave despite the political unrest. Tragically, the war that followed forced him to seek refuge in Egypt, and his workshop was destroyed. This changed the context of the film into a poignant reminder of resilience and loss.” The studio’s work is inseparable from the political turbulence of its context; their work offers solace and a way to process loss. 

Looking ahead, SN3 has an exciting slate of projects lined up. They’re hosting a pop-up activation at XP Music Futures in Riyadh and collaborating with Sole DXB to spotlight Sudanese-American rapper G Salih at the festival. In partnership with Dubai-based Efie Gallery, they’ll showcase works by two displaced Sudanese female artists, curated by Mustafa Abu Shamma of Mojo Gallery, a hub for emerging Sudanese talent. Additionally, they’ll lead a talk with Mikey and Abu Shamma, exploring how art can rebuild communities and inspire initiatives.