by guest contributor Joe David
Photo credit: Neshan Naltchayan
The French Embassy in Washington, D.C., came alive Saturday night with a collection of stunning clothes created for men and women by French designer Jean-François Garcia. His Raza de Bronce clothing collection was shown exclusively to an enthusiastic crowd of Washingtonians during a sold-out Compassion through Fashion Runway Show. Bolivian designer Kathyuska Carrasco complemented Garcia’s fashionable line with her collection of one-of-a-kind handbags.
This rising Latin star who has designed for brands such as Marie Claire and Yanbal has been exporting her products to Venezuela, Peru and Colombia. “I am participating in Compassion through Fashion because of my love for the children of Bolivia and my commitment to work that Arco Iris is doing there for them.”
The runway at the Jean-François Garcia show at the Embassy of France
The evening events were brought together by two important philanthropic groups – the Azar Foundation and Arco Iris America, both focused on improving the health, education and general welfare of children. Shahin Mafi, founder of Azar Foundation for Children of the World, is a Washington-area humanitarian, peace activist, and philanthropist who attributes her dedication to the children of world to her mother. “It was she who inspired me to dedicate myself to their plight. I inherited her contagious love for children, which led me to create a family foundation named after her. My goal has been, and will always be, to reach out to assist the less-fortunate children around the world. Partnering with Arco Iris for this event has given me another opportunity to do this.”
French designer Jean-François Garcia and Shahin Mafi, founder of Azar Foundation for Children of the World
Martin Bak, board director for Arco Iris America, added a few special words about Shahin Mafi during his introduction of the gala fashion show. “I cannot express my admiration for Shahin without giving special attention to her mother’s accomplishments and her compassions for helping others. Shahin shares her mother’s overflowing heart and like Arco Iris, is dedicated to helping less fortunate children. The work she is doing with her foundation truly defines her.”
Dr. Hassan Massali & Shahin Mafi, founder of Azar Foundation for Children of the World, Martin Bak & Morayma Bak, President of Arco Iris America and Father José Maria Neuenhofer
The Arco Iris Foundation was formed 21 years ago by German priest Father José Maria Neuenhofer to serve the needy children in La Paz, Bolivia. “What began modestly several decades ago,” Father José said, “has helped the children grow into healthy adults, prepared for life with trade skills through education. This dream, which began modestly in 1994, is supported by 200 employees, serving approximately 30,000 homeless children annually with shelter, meals, medical, clothing education and more.”
Jan Du Plain, Morayma Bak, President of Arco Iris America, Shahin Mafi, founder of Azar Foundation for Children of the World, three year old Adrian Pinto and Father José Maria Neuenhofer
Morayma Bak, President of Arco Iris America, http://www.arcoirisamerica.org/ stated “We are all thrilled to have worked with such talented and extraordinary partners for our fifth annual fundraiser. It was an unforgettable evening at the French Embassy of specialty wines, runway fashion, a silent auction and more to support the children of Bolivia who need the love and the hope of a promising future.”
The Honorable Aniko Gaal Schott, Shamim Jawad, Shahin Mafi and Alexandra Villard de Borchgrave
Among the many special guests present were the new ambassador David Newman of Botswana and his stylish wife Chungu, The Honorable Aniko Gaal Schott, Mrs. Alexandra Villard de Borchgrave, Shamim Jawad, Tehmina Khan, owner/founder of McLean Furniture Gallery, to name a few. The four-hour event ended with a presentation from children of Bolivia who walked the runaway to say by their presence, “Thank you, Washington, for your support.
The profits from the show will all be used by the sponsors, the Fundación Arco Iris, for providing assistance to the street children of La Paz, Bolivia.
Guest contributor Joe David is a Washington DC area writer who has authored numerous articles and six books, including his latest, The Infidels.
