Charity fashion event raises hope for Bangladesh

By Joey Aguilar/Staff ReporterThe “Raising Hope for Bangladesh” charity fashion show, which was held in Doha recently, helped raise more than QR4,000 with 100 guests attending the event. It was also graced by the counsellor from the embassy of Bangladesh and his wife. “I believe what we have done is something unique. I chose the best talent to share the stage with me, entertain the guests and bring them to the show,” said LAS Fashion House founder and designer Layla Asgar Siyabi.Besides showcasing exclusive creations from the CindyLayla collection, the event also saw some of the best artistes in the region - such as Ahmed Abu Zaid of Beatbox Arabia and singer-songwriter Austin Mourina - entertaining the audience with their performances. Artist Assil Diab spearheaded a pop-art exhibition featuring some of his creations.The charity fashion show was aimed at supporting the textile industry in Bangladesh, raising funds for victims of the Savar building collapse, which claimed 1,127 lives and injured 2,500, and helping homeless children in the South Asian country. The designer feels she has inspired other designers to give back to society and also believe in their talent - “to be a better version of themselves while climbing the ladder in this industry”. “I have realised that we rely on these countries for resources but usually do not give back as much,” she said. Most of the materials the designer uses for her fabrics come from Bangladesh. She is planning to stage the event annually.