2 tickets, dinner’s value: $7,500.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: Two tickets for Indian American designer Naeem Khan’s upcoming runway show at the Mercedes Benz Fashion week, and a dinner date with the designer himself, went for a whopping $3500, and Khan matched that to make it a grand $7,000, at the annual fundraiser gala of the New York City-based non-profit organization Wishwas.
Khan and his wife, noted jewelry designer Ranjana Khan, helped support the cause by hosting the fundraiser at their fashion studio in Manhattan, last week. The evening raised funds for the charity via ticket sales and auction items.
Wishwas (http://wishwas.org/) focuses on two initiatives; empowering low-income immigrant women assimilate within society and training them in vocational skills to make them financially self-sufficient.
Wishwas expands opportunity for low-income communities through leadership development, personal finance management, business/entrepreneurship training, community building and micro credit/micro-financing loans, in the New York City area.
“I am so touched and honored for the support Wishwas has received from our community. The funds we raised at our gala will help us a great deal to better the lives of so many women,” said Wishwas Executive Director Nivedita Chandrappa.
Over 200 guests, including Congresswoman Grace Meng, came out to support Wishwas and enjoyed an evening of cocktails, fashion and shopping via the elaborate silent auction. Auctions up for bid included a range of jewelry from Ranjana Khan, as well as accessories from Exclusively.In and a Five Star Luxury Johnnie Walker VIP Tasting from Le Malt, amongst many other things.
Sonali Skandan mesmerized the guests with a beautiful traditional dance piece, while The SA Dance Company showcased a performance inspired by Indian folk, classical, and Bollywood dance.
The venue of the gala was donned with a fashion display from Naeem Khan’s spring 2015 collection.
Khan, the most famous contemporary Indian American designer, has styled celebrities such as Beyonce, Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, Debra Messing and many others. Another fan of his exquisite designs is First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore his creation at the 2013 Oscars.
The gala was orchestrated by boutique PR firm, Neerja Public Relations, and managed by Rashi Shyam of Event Nirvana. The evening was catered by Devi Restaurant and desserts were sponsored by Chocal8Kiss. Wine 34, Fair Trade and 1947 Beer provided cocktails for the evening. The event was hosted by human rights activist and speaker Jessica Minhas.