Jan. 26, 2017

Oday Shakar Shows His New Line for a Cause

Rose kaftan with leather belt (left), blush micro suede laser-cut zip-front jacket with matching stirrup pant (middle), teal crinkle chiffon butterfly-sleeve gown with suede belt (right).

The Cameo Foundation of Arizona, together with the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) announce a fashion show to creatively raise awareness of social interaction. popUP Fashion Show with Oday Shakar, taking place on Jan. 26, unites fashion with the creation of outdoor spaces. Purposeful design will be the focal point of the evening hosted at a private residence in Paradise Valley, Ariz.

The New York Restoration Project promotes open space and social justice by connecting people with outdoor space that is safe, clean, livable, and welcoming. This appreciation resonates nationwide, and Phoenix has reached out to NYPR for best practices on managing community gardens. The Cameo Foundation provides programs and opportunities that allow individuals to demonstrate and share their talents, skills, resources and experiences with younger generations.

The “popUP” event was initiated by Ron Miller, a former Phoenix resident and currently the Chief Development Officer of NYRP. “Bette [Midler] loved performing in Phoenix last year, and we wanted to provide a fun creative experience to fundraising,” says Miller. He continues, “Uniting fashion from a young up-and-coming designer with the attractiveness and harmony of garden renovation seemed like a perfect fit for our cause.”

This fashion-forward event creates an opportunity for Phoenix fashion and design enthusiasts to gather and have a first look at Oday Shakar’s new line. The designer launched his self-titled label in 2008, and each Oday Shakar collection refers to a specific conceptual inspiration or a seasonal influence but it always remains defiant of the limitations of time and trends. Against the framework of custom-crafted garments, Shakar spins together a precise blend of sophistication in the graceful silhouettes and modernity of the designs. Native of Iraqi, he grabs inspiration from his heritage and upbringing as an Arab American, fusing Western and Middle-Eastern influences. Shakar is interested in further weaving the label into the real lives of women to help them promote confidence and self-expression.

Shakar began his philanthropic work with Susan G. Komen, “I think that fashion is a universal language that can unite in many causes and opinions,” says the designer. He is also currently supporting the True Sioux Hope Foundation.

For more information/tickets, visit nyrp.org.