Chanel Fall 2020 Ready-to-wear collection. Photo: Gorunway.com
As Lebanon continues to grapple with the aftermath of a deadly explosion in Beirut that killed over 150 people and wounded thousands more, luxury fashion house Chanel has pledged USD 700,000 (more than 2.5 million AED) of financial support to rebuilding efforts in the Arab nation. Donating the large sum to a mix of Lebanese charities currently helping on the ground, the Parisian maison dedicated this relief package in solidarity with their partners in Lebanon’s capital city who are struggling in the wake of this horrific incident.
“The catastrophic explosion in Beirut sent Lebanon, a country already impacted by political unrest, economic instability and the current Covid-19 crisis, into further distress and suffering,” released the label in a statement. “Chanel has a local presence and valued long-standing partners in Lebanon, some of whom are deeply impacted.”
Also Read: In Pictures: Lebanese Creatives’ Studios Before and After the Explosions
Distributing this donation to four local non-profit organizations, Chanel has earmarked about 735,000 AED each to the Lebanese Red Cross, Acted, and Unicef which are all offering various forms of health and humanitarian assistance while Amel Association will receive the remaining 367,000 AED to support the country’s most vulnerable victims.
While Chanel is the first major fashion house to directly contribute monetary aid to Lebanon following the blasts, a number of high-profile brands and designers have created limited-edition pieces in which the proceeds will be sent towards emergency relief funds. Italian fine jewelry house Repossi designed a new ring symbolically engraved with a Lebanon cedar on the side with all sales being donated to the Lebanese Red Cross. UAE-based brand Reemami also memorialized the special tree on a trio of t-shirts capturing the “yesterday”, “today”, and “tomorrow” of Beirut with 90% of the proceeds going to the Lebanese Red Cross, Impact Lebanon, and Offre Joie. Meanwhile, New York Fashion Week newcomer Christopher Esber is honoring his Lebanese heritage by sending 100% of all profits until August 20 to Impact Lebanon, Lebanese Red Cross, Lebanese Food Bank, and Beitel Baraka.
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