Vancouver-based designer brand Obakki is proud to partner with Holt Renfrew to host Walk for Water, a unique fashion show featuring top Canadian and South Sudanese models, on Tuesday May 10th. From 7:30pm – 10:00pm the fashion world unites for an unforgettable evening of amazing survival stories, beautiful designer clothing and the opportunity to help with clean water projects in South Sudan.
Obakki was founded by Vancouver-based Treana Peake in 2005. Her effortlessly elegant collection has since graced the pages of Vogue and Elle – the timeless staples are also popular with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson. Peake founded the philanthropic Obakki Foundation in 2009 and since then has brought clean water to over a million people in Africa. Proceeds from this show, and 10% of Holt Renfrew sales after the event, will go directly towards helping the Foundation develop clean water projects in South Sudan.
“The Obakki Foundation, and its founder Treana Peake, are an incredible inspiration to me, to Holt Renfrew and H Project,” says Alexandra Weston, Director Brand & Creative Strategy at Holt Renfrew. “Obakki’s determination in providing clean drinking water to the people of South Sudan is unrelenting and Treana’s personal hands-on commitment is admirable. It demonstrates how fashion and retail can be used to create real positive change in the world.“
“When you see these stunningly beautiful South Sudanese models carry themselves so gracefully down the runway in Milan, Paris or New York, it is hard to remember that they are all carrying their own tragic story of living in – and fleeing – a country caught in war,” says Obakki Foundation Founder Treana Peake. “Every step these women take down that runway during our show will enable someone in their own country to drink clean water. It is quite symbolic and I hope those attending will be incredibly moved by the meaning attached to the show.”
Renowned international models from Canada and South Sudan will take to the catwalk to showcase the SS16 and FW16 Obakki collections. Amongst the South Sudan born models are one of Australia’s most famous models, Ajak Deng, as well as international stars Grace Bol, Achok Majak, and Mari Agory. Special guest speakers at the event include inspirational model, DJ and activist Mari Malek (https://vimeo.com/79221556) as well as actor and UN Refugee Goodwill Ambassador Ger Duany. Duany arrived in the US unable to read or write but went on to complete college and became a successful actor and model with the mentorship of actor Mark Wahlberg.
During the evening, special musical guest star Emmanuel Jal will be performing his unique form of hip hop, which draws inspiration from his painful past as a child soldier in South Sudan and his subsequent rescue. A peaceful activist, musician and writer, Jal has performed for icons such as the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite (https://walkforwaterbenefit.eventbrite.ca) for $150 and include fashion shows, reception, canapes and live music. Limited edition VIP tickets are also available for $300 and include a special reception, front row fashion show seats, a preview of the Fall 2016 collection and special gift bags. VIP guests will also have the opportunity for a model meet and greet to find out more about their inspirational stories of survival.
For more information about the work of the Obakki Foundation, visit https://obakkifoundation.org
About The Obakki Foundation
The Obakki Foundation drills and monitors wells in Africa. Since 2009, we’ve provided over 810 wells and brought water to more than one million people. Our model is simple: we drill wells, monitor their adoption, and then expand development in villages that show a capacity for maximizing their newfound resource. Our wells reduce conflict over food and water. Communities are able to settle in one place and no longer need to move around in search of clean water. By working together to develop long-term solutions for growth, communities are able to build homes, engage in trade and send their children to school. 100% of all donations go directly to our projects. The Obakki clothing line absorbs all of our administrative costs. We believe that donations have the biggest impact when directed to the areas of greatest need.
