Fashion For Relief Nepal - Khokana
‘There is no other choice than to hope but we can together make every effort to turn that hope into positive change.’
More than a week has passed since the deadliest earthquake to hit Nepal in 80 years shook the capital and devastated the densely populated Kathmandu valley. Over 7000 people were killed and millions left injured, homeless, shell-shocked and sleeping in the streets.
My family, friends and production team were amongst the lucky survivors, but I had to search for over a week for the weavers who were spread around various villages near Kathmandu. After a frantic week of searching I discovered that while they all had survived, many lost their homes and loved ones.
Hundreds of villages in Nepal have been destroyed. One of them, Khokana Village, is a tiny and traditional Newari village, proud of its history and intent on retaining its traditions and culture. The women of the village have been hand weaving fabric for centuries. The reality is, however, that this is a small cottage industry and hand looming is actually on the verge of extinction.
I feel incredibly privileged as a designer, to be able to put their inspirational skills to good use in my modern bridal designs. I want to continue to revive their industry further as my Bridal collections evolve.
A veritable living museum, recalling medieval times, Khokana was once nominated to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site but on Saturday 25th April, the earthquake reduced the village to a ghost town of debris and rubble. Though only 12 people died, with roughly 12,000 inhabitants fleeing to communal tents in nearby fields, it is estimated that 90% of Khokana’s houses are now uninhabitable and will have to be rebuilt. “They are now refugees in their own country” and all they have left now is HOPE. 
These dispossessed village women and their family need our support NOW as their situation gets worse by the day. Please support me in raising funds to help these communities stay strong and give them the support they need to do so.
Mission: I will be working closely with Tulsi Mehar Mahila Ashram. Tulsi Mehar Ashram was established in 1926, and is the first social non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nepal dedicated to helping deprived women. Medium term goals will see funds raised being used to support sustainable projects, rehabilitating communities after the earthquake in the village areas. My long term focus will be primarily on sustainable rebuilding and regaining self-reliant projects for earthquake victims with a special focus on underprivileged women and their children.
Funding: I will be raising funds through sales of my 2016 Bridal and Flowergirl collections, launching in London Bridal fashion Week. 10% sales will be dedicated to helping these women.
I am committed to distributing 100% of the funds raised directly to the benefit of the Nepalese people who need assistance the most with transparency and accountability. When the funds are raised and distributed this will be posted publically on our website.