A Night Full Of Soul and Style

I was in L.A. last week for fun family reasons and an event I was very happy to attend for the fun and most importantly to comply to my social responsibility towards my community. It was a Runway Relief hosted by Nahda Designs to raise funds for Syria refugees. This is their second annual charity fashion show where they also showcased their latest designs along with the designs of other designers. This year it included Al Sundus, CoveredGirl and Resplendent Fashions.  

The setting was a very beautiful hall, comfortable, dimmed lights and very airy. A dinner sit-down affair which was very enjoyable. The night begin at the registration table, a name tag and a goodie bag that included a catalogue of Nahda Designs latest collection(I will share on a separate post). I made my way around to the vendors and chatted with the designers and shop owners. I was very impressed to know we are getting down to business and really making it personal by designing and producing our own clothing. Of course, I picked up a few items that my family liked when I wore them to our family functions. I sat next to poetry artist Lulia, who voluntarily emailed me the words to her performance(below) and chatted with poetry artist and clothing designer Umm Issa. She is the designer of Rebirth of Chic.  All poets were very touching and my eyes filled with tears as I heard them. 

There were three designers that really caught my eye. One is NEW U.S. based label, Abayage, releasing designs in January, per designer Suzanne Khazaal. We chatted together on the need of designs that help us(Americanos) that are versatile to our society and needs for school, work and social events. I'm really excited about this new line. The other was Resplendent Fashions. The simplicity of the abayas/caftans were so captivating. They also make hand-crafted jewelry. The third designer is Sabika Seattle for their unique tunics.

 SPOKEN WORD

Freedom is instilled within our desires

It is something every individual aspires

As we grow up under our parent’s wings

We yearn to break away and cut the strings

that tie us closely to confinement

Wanting to be free

to speak as we please

and to be unleashed from the decree

that we are held to by an authority

and we put that as our priority

because whats the difference if your alive or dead

when the majority of your mind is left unsaid

I commend those that fight for their God-given right

even though their death is in close sight

I commend those who put their lives on the line

Those who give their lives to help refine

Syria’s corrupt system of atrocity

that feeds on innocent bodies with pure animosity

hand in hand they stand in unity

providing themselves with the opportunity

to finally be free from this corrupt regime

for decades freedom seemed to be just a dream

sick of suffering from sorrow that seems surreal

Growing up they were instilled with fear

now you look into the eyes of a country where freedom is near.

I’ve never seen people fight with this extent of aspiration

witnessing repulsive acts but they continue with dedication

putting feelings aside

no time for emotions to subside

collectively on the streets they rage

chanting for freedom and a way out of this cage

but the hope within them shines

and the power of each Syrian combines

creating an invincible entity

never giving up

because for too long their opinions have been demolished

but now it is time for this regime to be abolished

O Bashar, you think its ‘a game you play’?

bombarding cities every minute of the day?

O Bashar, did your father teach you to

aimlessly persecute people of all kinds,

young or old, male or female, some would say you are blind

O Bashar, you have reached the last level

at this point I’m sure you’re one to give advice to the devil

O Bashar, you are in too deep

and it is now time for your eternal sleep

For although indeed, on us you have left a scar,

to you I confidently say, game over ya Bashar

Written by Lulia(below)

Word spoken, Lulia

"...it's not too late, he broke your heart not your mind."  -  Jamisa Ivy Fields

Performer and clothing designer, Jamisa Ivy Fields(left) and I just loved what La'Tanya(right) wore.

Behind this door was the backstage of the runway.

Upcoming design label Abayage designer, Suzanne, (4th right), her designs and models.

Abayage designer taking a picture of her models.

Backstage madness

Another highlight I enjoyed very much was the guest of honor, Debbie Almonstaser, who is the board chair member of Mulsim Consultive Network(MCN), a NYC muslim group who responds to urgent needs after 9/11. Her speech reminded us of how the women in the time of Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon You) were strong and active in helping. One of her examples were Aisha(May God be pleased with her) used to carry water to the men in battle. We talked fashion, but importantly she talked about one of the monthly programs of MCN, which really motivated me to return to NY. Once a month MCN runs a program called Muslims Against Hunger. She told me a story of a volunteered niqabi(women who covers her face except eyes) and how a lady didn't want to be served by her, but as she seen the rest of the people embrace her, the lady at the end changed the way she thought about muslims. 

Here are some goodies I got myself

It truly was a night full of soul and style! The organization Nahda Designs chose to give raised funds to was Shaam Relief Foundation. Please do check them out and donate if you may. The stats that night are: Over 35,000 Killed. 500,000 Refugees. 2 Million Displaced.

"What a night!"  -  Suraya(left) organizer, Nahda Designs

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