H&M Has Donated $100,000 To The Lebanese Red Cross
The Swedish high-street fashion retailer is standing in solidarity with the people of Beirut, as it made a generous donation to the nonprofit organisation in the days that followed the launch of its collaboration collection with Lebanese designer, Sandra Mansour
Just as H&M was set to launch another iconic designer collaboration at the beginning of August, this time with the Lebanese womenswear brand Sandra Mansour. A devastating blast ravaged the streets of Beirut, causing widespread devastation to homes, families and businesses on August 4, before the release date. Understandably, the Swedish high-street retailer and Lebanese designer both agreed to postpone the launch following the tragic event.
Now, almost a month later, the collection has officially arrived in stores – and with it a donation of $100,000 (approx. Dhs367, 295) to the Lebanese Red Cross on behalf of the H&M foundation.
The 15-piece collection is now available in H&M stores and online. Titled ‘Fleur de Soleil’, the collaboration was inspired by feminine artists, such as Bibi Zogbe and Lena Leclercq, resulting in the gothic yet feminine and ethereal pieces.
Sandra Mansour, like so many of her fellow Beirut-based designers, was impacted by the explosion. She shared the destruction and debris that shattered her show room, along with words of support and solidarity with her country folk stating “Our heart and soul is aching for our Lebanon. Praying for all the victims of this horrific event. To all those lost, may Your Souls Rest in Peace, and to all those effected, we are here to help. Praying for our Lebanon. May God bless and protect this nation and it’s people. Stay strong beautiful Lebanon.”
Sandra’s collaboration with H&M is the Swedish brands first partnership with an Arab designer, following in the path of Fashion icons such as Alexander Wang and Karl Lagerfeld. Understandably this career moment must feel bittersweet, Sandra stated in a recent instagram post that “During these dark times, we are heartened by both H&M and the world’s support for Lebanon. We believe in the power of light and spreading it.”
H&M joins brands including: Repossi, Christopher Esber, NAFSI, Talar Nina, 1998 and Chanel to name a few, with their donation to help those affected in Beirut.
For more information on how you can help Beirut click here. The collection is now available online here.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/sandramansour
