L–R: Nora Abu-Dan and Satin Tashnizi from The Emerald Project emceed the 13th Annual Women of the World Annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala. Photo: John Barkiple
Women of the World started in 2009 to educate and empower women no matter their status. All manner of forces can steer women to Salt Lake, and Women of the World stands ready to help by applying a three-pronged approach that addresses economics, community and service. Samira Harnish arrived in the US in 1979, and because she came from Iran, she experienced substantial prejudice and discrimination everywhere from the university to the grocery store. Today, Harnish is an award-winning champion of refugees, and her organization has evolved into a primary source of support for people new to Salt Lake. “The fashion show teaches Utahns who their new neighbors are, and it shows the beautiful culture of their clothes that they are wearing today,” she says.
The 13th Annual Women of the World Annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala brought friends, fashion and food together in celebration of another successful year for Harnish’s non-profit organization. Gail Miller delivered the keynote speech, and the gala was fortunate to secure such a relatable speaker who is an advocate of education and entrepreneurship—her support of refugee populations speaks to an ingrained sense of service, which made her a great choice for tonight’s celebration.
Guests dressed in attention-grabbing fits and fabrics mixing low-key neutrals with high-key color, but nothing in the audience could match the high-viz hues on the catwalk. Judith from the Central African Republic and Pamela from Chile wore vibrant blues and reds that demanded attention. The fabrics, embroidery, and craftsmanship set these dresses apart from casual attire. The Emerald Project’s Nora Abu-Dan and Satin Tashnizi served as emcees. To add context to the fashion show, they introduced each model and explained the origin and design of each outfit, and they also highlighted each models experiences and goals.
This annual event has grown from 50 guests the first year to 500+ guests tonight. And with more than 20 models on the runway, the fashion show managed to showcase cultural attire from around the world. Larry Flynn’s live auction provided an intermission for the fashion show, and it raised thousands of dollars for Women of the World’s Fund a Future scholarship program.
Photos: John Barkiple // john@slugmag.com
Nour returns to her seat after cheering for her mom, Kholoud, who just finished a run on the catwalk in a Syrian abaya. Photo: John Barkiple
Kholoud from Syria wears an abaya, which comes in many variations depending on the occasion. Photo: John Barkiple
L–R: Nora Abu-Dan and Satin Tashnizi from The Emerald Project emceed the 13th Annual Women of the World Annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala. Photo: John Barkiple
Surgal from Kurdistan wore a dress to celebrate Nowruz, a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. Photo: John Barkiple
L–R Emcee Nora Abu-Dan, Women of the World founder Samira Harnish and emcee Satin Tashnizi take a quick break after the first flight of models took a spin on the runway. Photo: John Barkiple
L–R With auctioneer Larry Flynn in the background, Women of the World founder Samira Harnish promotes her Mediterranean Cooking Class for up to 10 guests. Photo: John Barkiple
Ashley from Mazza prepares lamb meatballs with a tomato-pomegranate sauce at the Women of the World Annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala. Photo: John Barkiple
With a quick flip of a bid card, someone’s going to Mexico for a stay at Sensational Resorts in Mexico — a $2500 value scored for just $1800! Photo: John Barkiple
Culinary Crafts provided a delicious table of breads and spreads. Photo: John Barkiple
Auctioneer Larry Flynn walks the runway in search of bids for a Ponderosa Ranch getaway in Zion. The auction bids and fundraising requests generated thousands of dollars for Women of the World’s Fund a Future scholarship programs. Photo: John Barkiple
Larry Flynn’s enthusiastic auctioneering scored a $500 donation from bidder #028. Photo: John Barkiple
Each raised bid card represents a speed-round donation collection at $100 a pop. Photo: John Barkiple
Bidder #361 flipped her card in support of Women of the World’s Fund a Future with a $250 donation. Photo: John Barkiple
Yellow ties and big smiles at this table kept the energy high at the Women of the World Annual Fashion Show and Cultural Gala. Photo: John Barkiple
Svitlana from Ukraine began her walk to a loud crowd and a round of applause. She’s wearing a vishyvanka in the colors of Ukraine’s blue and yellow flag. Photo: John Barkiple
Halima from Afghanistan designed this traditional outfit that she’s wearing as she approaches the catwalk. Photo: John Barkiple
Abirami from India wore a classic sari, which is an iconic Indian dress. With so much diversity of culture throughout India, it’s easy to find saris made in all manner of fabrics and styles. Photo: John Barkiple
Ruby represented her Kanaka Maoli heritage from Hawaii. Photo: John Barkiple
Michelle from Colombia waves the hems of her cumbia dress as she finishes her lap on the runway. Photo: John Barkiple
L–R Madison Limansky offers tips to Yasmine from Mexico as she prepares to approach the runway. Photo John Barkiple
Whether low-key or high-key, fashion inspired by Sierre Leone demands attention. Photo: John Barkiple
L–R Bahati and Salima celebrated with a photo after the fashion show. Bahati appreciates how Women of the World help everyone regardless of their background. Photo: John Barkiple
Halima from Somalia wore a Dirac, a traditional gown worn for special events and weddings. Photo: John Barkiple
With so many amazing dresses in the room, it can be hard to tell the fashion show’s models apart from the guests. Photo: John Barkiple
Judith from Central African Republic hits the step and repeat for a quick photo session. Photo: John Barkiple
