Halima Aden is tonight set to Host the 2022 RefuShe’s virtual Runway event destination Nairobi.
The annual event which stages fundraising activities to help uplift young refugee women and girls preferred Halima based on her rich experience in the fashion and modeling industry not to forget her history in breaking boundaries where in 2020 she became the first black model to wear a hijab and a burkini in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue where she also emerged a semi-finalist.
Speaking to GRAZIA USA, Halima couldn’t shy from flaunting her fashion experience and obligations
“With my background in fashion, I’ve always adored the work that designers put into the runway shows. When I heard about the designers taking part in this special, One-of-a-kind fashion show, I knew I wanted to share my platform in support and help get the world out”
The fashion challenge will consist of big names of nine fashion designers creating an original haute couture look using a 6.5 metre of hand hyden fabric from REFUSHE’S Artisan Collective fall/Winter 2022 collection. a cotton/rayon blend hand – dyed by refugee artisans who obtained the skills from vocational training curriculum at REFUSHE. Each designer will be paired with a RefuSHE refugee mentee and a model for the show.
Among the designers will include David Ochieng “Avido” of lookslike Avido who will mentor Umutoni Munyakazi, 21 of DRC and pair with model Pauline K. Avido will use Indian poolside fabric for his design. Others include McCreath of Kiko Romeo, Alex Muchene of Afro Moda Kenya, Sylvia Yegon of Zakia designs, Simon Mubari of Imani Bijou creations, Peggy Onyango of ‘O’ Peggy, Sylvia Mwanike of Sylvia Diva brand among others.
Halima Aden will premier the event alongside a panel of judges like media personality Adelle Onyango, Vice president of Design at Kendra Scott, Denise Chimes, IAMISIGO’s creative director Bubu ogisi, Business journalist and Lawyer Carol Odero and KAHINDO chief creative designer Kahindo Matenee.
UNHCR Goodwill ambassador actress Kate Graham is expected to feature in the colorful event a proof of the agencie’s support for culture development among refugees.
The event will additionally provide runway accessories from Kendra Scott jewelry brand and also create open opportunities for the designers to visit the REFUSHE campus to meet their mentee’s.
Alongside the overall “Judges winner”, a special Fan-favourite winner will be announced based on a voting process where viewers can vote for their favorite personal top design on the RefuSHE.org.
Halima sees the event as an opportunity for the young girls to star and glimpse their dreams to the world
“I’m very pumped about the debuting designers and the vision behind the fashion show. The girls have worked so incredibly hard leading up to the show and I can’t wait for the world to see”, she says
The Somali-American super model also thinks the platform will be a chance to show the world what refugee women and girls are made or and that they can also star as any other human in all aspects of the global economy essentially fashion
“As a refugee, you often times hear the word no, but I want people to know it takes just one yes to transform one’s life. I deeply admire the organization of RefuSHE as they are giving these young fashion designers the opportunity to show their art and craft. Women are the backbone of society and it’s important to give them a chance”
she adds prior to an interview with GRAZIA USA
Halima who was in 2021 named as one of the BBC’s 100 women further advises women who pursue arts and fashion to keep their dreams alive despite the challenges that they face in the community
“Dream big and put your heart and soul into the craft”, she encourages.
To purchase tickets ($50) to RefuSHE’s 2022 Fashion Challenge, taking place virtually on Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m.-9 p.m. EST, visit refushe.org/fashion-challenge-2022.(GRAZIA USA)
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By McCreadie Andias
