LMU Professor Leon Wiebers Designs Custom Qatari Bisht for LGBTQ+ Activist at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Professor of Costume Design Leon Wiebers works at the intersection of cultural tradition, identity, and visual storytelling. “Clothing is a mode of communication,” Wiebers says. “We all speak through our garments every single day.”

For his most recent project, Wiebers collaborated with physician and LGBTQ+ activist Dr. Nas Mohamed, the first Qatari to come out publicly, to create a custom ensemble; including an adaptation of a traditional bisht that Mohamed wore during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While intentionally reimagining the garment to reflect Mohamed’s queer identity and advocacy, Wiebers’ design also honored the cultural significance of the traditional ceremonial robe worn throughout Qatar and the Gulf region. Rainbow cord replaced the bisht’s traditional gold cord, and “love” and “freedom” were embroidered in Arabic onto what is traditionally a formal black robe, communicating the message.

“Nas’ presence alone made the statement we wanted to convey. By wearing the garment, he challenged assumptions, claimed space, and compelled people to think differently,” Wiebers says.

The collaboration began with conversations between friends about the mission of the design and how to honor the tradition while thoughtfully reinterpreting it. Wiebers and Mohamed talked through the history and symbolism of the garment, exchanged ideas, refined designs and worked through multiple fittings as the final ensemble came together.

“Each time we’ve worked together, we’ve looked closely at traditional Qatari dress and what it represents. Our goal has never been to reject that tradition but to engage with it thoughtfully—to understand its symbolism and reinterpret it in a way that reflects Nas’ identity and message.”

Along the way, Wiebers tracked down a rare bolt of black wool gauze and partnered with longtime collaborator Ellen Bradenhoft to construct the wide-leg trousers, corset-inspired top and bisht; completing the ensemble.

Nas’ appearance engages broader conversations about the World Cup, fashion, activism, and LGBTQ+ visibility in global sports. When he appeared wearing the bisht, he went viral on social media; international news coverage reached over half a billion people around the world. While the response exceeded anything either expected, Wiebers said the intention was always to amplify Nas’ voice and the vision behind the garment rather than his own.

Wiebers says, “For me, this is political activism. I’ve been politically active throughout my life, and this is an extension of that work. In the LGBTQ+ community, our daily lives—our very existence—is political. This project questions long-established, heteronormative structures through the language of dress and design.”