Fashion Weekly

Stepping out for a cause

February 1 - 7, 2012
383 views
Gulf Weekly Stepping out for a cause

Gulf Weekly Mai Al Khatib-Camille
By Mai Al Khatib-Camille

Fashion designer and wardrobe stylist Hamra Alam aims to inspire and make a difference within the kingdom through her latest venture Lights Camera Fashion (LCF).

The British national of Persian/Asian heritage, founded LCF to bring like-minded business people together to raise awareness and support for local charities in Bahrain.

Miss Alam said: “We want people to leave LCF’s events inspired, motivated and wanting to give more to others.

“Although fashion has always been my passion, I feel that my philosophy in life has changed from wanting so much for myself to wanting to give more to others.

“This venture will allow businessmen and women, emerging talents and investors to network and connect while aiding physically-challenged people as well.”

Miss Alam, who recently opened her first boutique in Bahrain called Hamra 2012, was inspired to form LCF by her life experiences and family. She explained: “I personally have always been around disabled people. My cousins and sister, Sadaf, 32, are physically-challenged and after my cousins passed away it made me realise that I wanted to do more than just fashion.

“I believe charity begins at home and we will have six events over the year.”

Miss Alam’s first bi-monthly event, in support of the Bahraini-Saudi Institute for the Blind, was staged at the K Hotel in Juffair. It featured a motivational lecture from her brother Rehan, a performance by blind-Bahraini musician Ali Al Oliwi and a fashion show showcasing her designs.

Mentor and entrepreneur Rehan Alam, 42, flew in from the UK to share his experiences and also introduced his business Inclusion Training to guests. Afterwards, Mr Al Oliwi, an IT professional and jazz musician, serenaded the crowd with a violin melody while Miss Alam told his story and touched the hearts of the audience.

She said: “Mr Al Oliwi is a true inspiration and wants to be a media ambassador for the blind. He teaches the blind how to use an Iphone and is currently looking for a job in IT. He wants to work hard for the kingdom that he loves and has so much to offer. I hope to help others like him to make their dreams come true.”

The fashion show also featured Bahraini-Indian Jacintha Karada, who wears a prosthetic leg, strolling down the catwalk modelling outfits for the event in a bid to help change attitudes towards the disabled.

Miss Alam will be holding the next event in March called ‘Mind over matter’ to raise funds for research into arthritis to help sufferers of the crippling condition.

For more information email info@lightscamerafashion.net or visit www.lightscamerafashion.net







More on Fashion Weekly