"Fashion for a Cause" kicking off this Friday
BEIRUT: The popular "Fashion for a Cause" summer clothing bazaar will kick off June 3 and there is never any telling what interesting items you will find there - but veteran shoppers and the organizers say that what's for sale, and the gathering, is always notable.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is getting hot out there and what better way to start this summer season than with some new colorful additions to your wardrobe," the Facebook description notes. "This season, Fashion For A Cause has brought together a wonderful and eclectic collection of clothing, designers, shoes and bags, accessories, menswear, kids wear and even home ware!"
Roula Yazbeck, founder of the event, told Annahar, "the contributed items chosen are in great condition and are priced low enough to suit all budgets (at 10 percent of original retail price). The designer section is substantial and tends to attract a stampede of fashionistas, with genuine brand items like Chanel, Prada, Yamamoto, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Margiela, Armani and Sonia Rykiel."
Most importantly, she added, "all of the proceeds from this event go to preparing food parcels and providing aid for a database of families in need. FFAC works in association with the Lebanese Red Cross (Antelias--Naccache Branch) who take care of distribution."
The bi-annual event -- now in its 21st iteration -- is always very social in a low key way.
"The event has characteristics of a house party, with most shoppers and organizers being old friends, and lots of chatting going on amid the browsing," one regular attendee said.
"Something we are extremely proud of, is that FFAC is one of the very few forums in the country where people from all ages, backgrounds and means meet in simplicity and harmony. Our clients leave their egos at the door, and at FFAC, all become part of a big family," said Yazbeck. "We know most of our clients, if not by name then by face, We provide them with personalized service by showing them pieces that work for them and in many cases, our clients stay on and become friends."
She noted, "in one case, for example, we helped our client shop for her teenage daughter, then furnished the daughter's dorm room, A few years later, we found the mum an outfit for her daughter's wedding and just last year, shopped for the newly born grandchild!"
Yazbeck added that many friends of the event initially attended simply to show support and not intending to purchase anything, "And then started by picking up a household item the following year, and then maybe a scarf or handbag. The year after maybe a top or earrings or some shoes."
Now working with a number of other volunteer and organizers, Yazbeck held the first FFAC sale 12 years ago at her flat in Gemayzeh, "We managed to raise $700 then. Our sales now generate tens of thousands of dollars for the Red Cross."
Fashion For A Cause will be holding this year's SUMMER SALE at the Red Cross Center–Rabyeh/Antelias from June 3 to the 5th, each day from 10 am till 7 pm. Over 6,000 items are on sale including a pret-a-porter and designer clothing collection.