Reshma’s Courage Inspires At FTL Moda New York Fashion Week
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
It has gone viral this season at New York Fashion Week in an inspiring and motivating sort of way, proof that dreams can become reality, overcoming obstacles with drive and determination.
Acid attack survivor Reshma Bano of India walks the runway during the FTL Moda presentation at New York Fashion Week in New York, on September 8, 2016. / AFP / TREVOR COLLENS (Photo credit should read TREVOR COLLENS/AFP/Getty Images)
Two years ago, Reshma Qureshi was just like any other young and aspiring 17 year old teen. However, normal as she knew it ended when, one day, her brother-in-law attacked her with acid. Unfortunately, in India, Qureshi’s land of origin, this is not an uncommon incident. There are approximately 1,000 acid attacks each year. Needless to say, due to this horrendous act, Reshma was left seriously disfigured and lost her left eye. For most young girls, their world would crash right before them, but, not for Reshma Qureshi.
Ria Sharma, founder of Make Love Not Scars, (makelovenotscars.org) a volunteer network, was touched by this courageous teen. Reshma was not going to let this nightmare overcome her future and spoil her dreams and aspirations. It only fueled her desire to help others and prevent such awful acts. She found the courage to speak out for all those women who are victims of these horrific acid attacks. Make Love Not Scars assists victims and creates a sense of awareness in order to stop the sale of acid to common people who have no business having possession of it.
India had been the only place that Reshma knew until now. The world was foreign to her, but, her story traveled and the remarkable happened this season at FTL Moda @ New York Fashion Week. The courageous teen was invited to make her modeling debut on Thursday, September 8, 2016, the first day of New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017. Dressed in a gorgeous white gown with a floral pattern down the front designed by Archana Kochhar (archanakochhar.com/) Mumbai designer, Reshma looked astonishing, a mentor for so many. She is a survivor with an amazing story of love and hope. Being a part of New York Fashion Week was an incredible experience for the young woman. She was ecstatic to be given a chance to be part of the entire event.
New York: An acid attack survivor Reshma Banoo Qureshi from Uttar Pradesh makes her debut at New York Fashion Week in New York on Thursday. PTI Photo (PTI9_9_2016_000245B)
FTL Moda (www.ftlmoda.com/) was thrilled to be able to present this experience. The fashion-production company is committed to challenging industry stereotypes of beauty. Last year in 2015, they debuted Madeline Stuart of Brisbane, Australia, a model with Down Syndrome. Madeline, like Reshma, refuses to let her disability set her back. She will never forget her walk down the runway and the wonderful memories.
In Reshma’s own words, “I want to tell the world-do not see us in a weak light and see that even we can go out and do things. People have a tendency to look at acid attack survivors from one perspective. I don’t want them to look at them like that anymore.”
This young valiant young woman’s journey has also become a new documentary, influencing and educating other victims. It tells the story of her experience at New York Fashion Week from start to finish. It is narrated by Qureshi and an opportunity for her to share her thoughts, memories and dreams. In a second part of the documentary, after her fashion adventure, Reshma enters a forest and creates a connection with nature, symbolic of her own rebirth.
A strong and infinite bond has been formed with admirers across the globe as Reshma Qureshi can also be seen on You Tube making beauty advice videos. The views of each video continue to grow.
See Reshma’s story at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/486777481/the-inspiring-story-of-reshma-acid-attack-survivor and after watching it, sign the petition to stop the sale of acid to common people who have no use of it, all part of the new campaign #EndAcidSale with Make Love, Not Scars. This new chapter led Reshma to collaborate with Global Disability Inclusion, Fashion Week Online, and FTL MODA for the launch of the new campaign #TakeBeautyBack which will accompany #EndAcidSale throughout the exposure of NYFW.
