Before the war broke out in Syria, Mohamad Alhamod was a successful luxury dressmaker in Damascus. After fleeing to Germany, he fought hard to rebuild his career. Today, he owns a small fashion label. He recently presented the latest collection in Berlin. His team at the show included many other refugees.
Nigerian student Collins Okoro came to Ukraine with the hopes that it would catapult his career but now the war has changed that. But could Berlin offer better opportunities? Here is his story.
The Turin-based fashion startup "Colori Vivi" (Bright Colors) offers training and a job to migrant and Italian women. The atelier's spring-summer 2022 collection's clothes are made from fabrics donated by major international fashion houses.
Fashion might be the furthest thing on the minds of people escaping war, persecution and hardship. However, an initiative in Bosnia-Herzegovina makes sure that creative ideas by migrants get to have their own moment in the limelight.
The National Chamber of Italian Fashion (CNMI) on June 20 presented its project "Fashion Deserves the World," thanks to which 15 young refugees and migrants who want to have a career in fashion will be able to study and find work in Italian companies.
The Afghan born fashion model and entrepreneur Zohre Esmaeli was this year’s guest speaker at the "Days of Exile" event hosted by the Körber-Stiftung, a foundation based in Hamburg, Germany.
In November, the Espero Association opened a couture workshop in Antony, south of Paris. The organization aims to offer a group of uniquely talented refugees their first professional experience in France. Major French brands have already offered fabric remnants, while others are considering collaborations to produce pieces 100% made in France.
In the Parisian suburb of Villejuif, a workshop run by the French NGO Renaissance trains unemployed people – including migrants – to create luxury fashion pieces from castoff clothes and linen. It’s a transformative experience as participants embark on a journey of acquiring professional integration skills in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner.
Going to school in Afghanistan was a dream for Foruzan Ghaffari. But in Germany, she is not only studying, but also learning the craft of fashion design. She says now her next aim is to send her child to school.
Two Nigerians have set up a fashion label in the Liguria region in Italy. Called "Happy Job," the label is an attempt to showcase African fashion in Italy.
An online crowdfunding initiative in the Italian cities of Prato and Florence funds tailoring courses for asylum seekers, aiming to foster social inclusion and improve their chances of finding a job.