The HK 2011 Fashion Challenge at Room 1520 was held to support the development of the Maisha Collective, a program of Nairobi, Kenya-based Heshima Kenya that trains and empowers young refugee women from Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Congo to design, produce, and market a unique line of hand-dyed scarves. Founding members of the Collective were honored for their strength and hope, and for sharing their skills with so many.
The evening, inspired by Project Runway, brought together Chicago’s hottest new designers to create inspiring garments using actual scarves produced by members of the Collective. Designs were judged by the audience and a panel of Chicago style icons including Billy Dec, Christina Hanson, Matt Lorenz, and Bianca Alexander with hosts Lara Miller and Marcus Riley.
Congratulations to the Fashion Challenge winner, Jade Nguy, and the Audience Choice winner, Miriam Carlson.
To learn more about Heshima Kenya visit: www.heshimakenya.org Tweet this!
