Watching the situation in Afghanistan unfold is heartbreaking. This is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our generation and there is only so much we can do to help.
With many of us asking what more we can do, we've seen communities come together to do what they can. And, the Australian fashion community is the latest group to unite to rally for aid for the people of Afghanistan.
On Friday 20 August, a group of Australian designers will be donating 100% of all their sales to the charities on the ground in Kabul. In addition, communications and wholesale agency Catinella PR will be topping up the funds with $15,000 AU. Without further ado, find the list of participating designers below.
If you are looking to shop today, these are the brands to spend with. Donations will be shared across several organisations with direct on-ground resources for the men, women and children who are in desperate need of support.
- Aexae - aexae.com
- Aya Muse - aya-muse.com
- Casa Catinella - casacatinella.com
- Coqui Coqui (Australian site) - coquicoqui.com.au
- ESSE - essestudios.com
- Magali Pascal - magalipascal.com.au (Also included on international sites)
- Matin - matinstudio.com
- Natasha Schweitzer - natashaschweitzer.com
The atrocities unfolding in the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, and entire nation comes off the back of the Taliban takeover and the collapse of the Afghan government. Scenes from Kabul are almost unbelievable, with thousands of displaced people, escalating violence and women facing a draconian new rule that may seem them stripped of the right to work or even leave home without a male escort.
Over 80 percent of garment workers across the globe are women, and women are the largest consumer group when it comes to clothing - especially luxury fashion. It is a female-driven industry, so for the fashion industry, the impact of Taliban rule on the women, with loss of education and freedom, is harrowing. This one day of profits is a small way to give back, and encourage others to do the same.
You can read more about the current situation in Afghanistan in our guide to the details you need to know to understand the current geopolitical factors at play. We've also put together a guide of how to help and where is best to donate if you want to make a direct contribution. Every dollar counts.
Image: Mohammad Rahmani on Unsplash
