Fashion Watch: Philanthropic style

Created on Friday, 30 November 2012 10:11 Last Updated on Friday, 28 December 2012 08:59 Published on Friday, 30 November 2012 10:11 Written by Debbie Norrell Hits: 838

This week our eyes are on the Obakki Clothing Collection. Since 2009 the Obakki clothing collection has been the definition of philanthropic fashion. With 100 percent of the proceeds from each garment sold supporting The Obakki Foundation, which is currently aiding the water crisis in South Sudan, the company has not only produced luxurious designs but has also helped change the world.

LEER DRESS

This season Obakki has launched the "10 Pieces for Change" collection to continue that crusade.

Treana Peake, Obakki's founder and creative director, rounded up a bevy of Sudanese beauties that she calls the "faces of change" (models Ajang Majok, Mari Malek, Atong Arjok, Ajak Deng and Nyamuoch Girwath) to share personal stories about their homeland's plight and to highlight Obakki's stunning collection in a short campaign video.

"Fashion is such an easy way to get the message out," Ajak Deng said. "If there is a story behind the clothes, they would want to know too because a lot of people are willing to tell the story."

From a draped silk dress to a sumptuous wool sweater, the line is filled with plenty of covetable items that have all been inspired by the land and people of South Sudan. The long-sleeve fitted dress with paneling reflective of Sudanese tribes is particularly amazing! But the best part is that all sales from the collection go directly to drilling water wells in the war torn country. My personal favorite is the “Leer Dress” listed for $495.

(Debbie Norrell is Lifestyles editor for the New Pittsburgh Courier. You can reach her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)