London Fashion week is usually anything but an intimate affair. Swarms of attendees swap the all-black ensembles of New York in favour of more attention-grabbing, soon-to-be trends in attempt to make a scene, or at least make the blogs. Helping kick-off London fashion week, De Beers’s Moments in Light offered an intimate evening in celebration of women and their efforts in bringing support and attention to the organization Women for Women International.
In continuation of the Moments in Light series, this year the jeweller presented portraits by Mary McCartney (yes, that McCartney), bringing together a dynamic and accomplished cast of women in support of the international charity. Zaha Hadid, Liya Kebede, Diana Krall, and Karen Mok joined the campaign, showing their support for women in communities affected by conflict. The portraits were unveiled at London’s iconic Claridge’s Hotel where Canadian jazz pianist and singer Krall also performed.
Photographer Mary McCartey, who also acts as curator for the campaign, constructed images of the women that reflect their individual talents: renowned British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid was photographed in her London design studio, surrounded by the organic and dramatic elements that her practise comprises of; Krall was portrayed in a modern studio setting, emphasizing the five-time Grammy Award winner’s conviction and powerful presence.
The partnership between De Beers and Women for Women International reflects a commitment to the 25 women each in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iraq, and Rwanda. The project includes a year-long training program for job skills education, providing some of the most marginalized community members with the ability to earn wages and support their families. Additionally, these initiatives educate women on their individual rights, nutrition, and healthcare.
Highlighting the strength and power of women internationally, Moments in Light perhaps represents a most uniting and meaningful trend worthy of notice.
