How Alessandra Ambrosio, Shanina Shaik, Mohamed Hadid and Other Celebs Are Supporting Zuhair Murad’s Beirut Relief Initiative
All proceeds from the designer’s ‘Rise from the Ashes’ shirts will be donated to Offrejoie, a Lebanese NGO
The fashion industry was among the worst affected by the blast that shook the Port of Beirut on August 4, with several newly emerging designers alongside legacied maisons suffering damage to their boutiques, ateliers and showrooms.
Amongst some of the most prominent names in Lebanese fashion, Zuhair Murad’s atelier was also devastated by the impact of the explosion. The designer lost his headquarters, as well as 80% of his archives and all of his upcoming collections in the blast.
In the wake of the blast, as designers have come up with creative ways to work actively to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts in Beirut, Murad recently launched an initiative that focuses on raising funds for Offreije, a Lebanese NGO. All proceeds from Murad’s ‘Rise From the Ashes’ t-shirts, which are worth $25.99 (Dhs95.50), will be going towards the NGO’s relief efforts.
“These past two weeks have been devastating as I have seen the city of Beirut, my beloved city, hurt in its soul and endure so much destruction,” Zuhair Murad says. “In these difficult times, the only way for me to move forward is by helping in any way that I can, so I have launched a fundraising T-Shirt campaign with my dear friend Maya Labban in which the proceeds will be donated to Offrejoie, a non-governmental humanitarian organization founded during the civil war in Lebanon in 1985, and providing help to people affected by the blast that hit Beirut on August 4.”
Murad’s initiative has garnered support from several members of the fashion industry and beyond, of which Alessandra Ambrosio is the latest to join. She shared a post of herself wearing the emblazoned t-shirt on her Instagram, which boasts of over 10 million followers.
Supermodel Shanina Shaik, model Devon Windsor, actress Courteney Cox of Friends fame and Sofia Vergara are also amongst others who support Murad’s initiative, which is gaining momentum each day.
“To spread awareness and reach a maximum amount of people and donations, please join me in taking a selfie in this T-Shirt and becoming part of the rescue efforts by posting it on your social media platforms,” the designer says. “Together, we can really make a difference. The people of Beirut will stand up in strength again”.
For more information, visit represent.com/Beirut
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/zuhairmuradofficial