‘Stars of Africa’ hits runway in support of charity

by eyetee | November 1, 2010 12:00 am

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A charity aimed at empowering women got a helping hand from Royal Asscher and Canadian designer Reena Ahluwalia.

Models took to the catwalk at Lingerie New York 2010 in support of the Seven Bar Foundation wearing jewellery from Royal Asscher’s ‘Stars of Africa Collection,’ which Ahluwalia designed. Half the profits from each piece sold at the event and for the next six months will go toward the foundation, which provides micro-financing for underprivileged women to spearhead their own businesses. Its logo—pink bars lined up to form the rungs of a ladder—symbolizes an exit strategy from poverty for women.

“It is an honour for us to participate in this event,” said Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher. “We are extremely proud to have the opportunity through our collections and success to provide women living in poverty with an opportunity to sustain themselves for life and create their own legacy. A positive legacy of hope through femininity.”

Held at Cipriani’s 42nd Street in New York City late last month, the event was a who’s who of the jewellery and entertainment industry.

Ahluwalia said it’s easy to lose sight of the fact poverty knows no geographical boundaries.

“One often misses the fact that poverty is everywhere, and not only in third-world countries,” she told Jewellery Business. “Empower women and you empower children, families, community. and society at large. It matters to us that it is a ‘hands up’ approach, not a handout. Being part of this event was incredible. As a female jewellery designer, I feel fortunate my designs for Royal Asscher will serve as an agent to empower women and I couldn’t be happier. It’s another step toward the continuation of what we set out to do [with the collection].”

Last year’s event—Lingerie Miami 2009—helped 2233 impoverished women start their own businesses in India, Mexico, and Brazil. This helped provide medical attention and education to 6699 children whose mothers received support from the foundation.

Royal Asscher’s ‘Stars of Africa’ collection comprises rings, pendants, earrings, and necklaces featuring diamonds encased in a fluid-filled sapphire dome.

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