Reshma Quereshi walks the ramp for a cause and embodies the mantra of beauty with a purpose
Acid attack survivor Reshma Banoo Quereshi changed the perceptions of beauty and focussed attention on a woman’s true wealth — her inner core — as she walked the ramp at New York Fashion Week on Thursday. She was 17 when her brother-in- law and people she considered friends threw acid on her for not complying with their wishes. Now 19, she is the face of the campaign against sale of corrosive substances used to maim and torture women as part of feudal outrage.
Reshma walked the ramp for Indian designer Archana Kochhar. Post-show, she said she was very happy and never thought she would be a part of a fashion show. “For a few moments, I couldn’t even believe that I would come to such a big place and walk on such a big stage. I’m extremely happy.” Reshma walked the New York Fashion Week runway to send a message of courage and empowerment to other victims of such attacks, saying that the world should not judge people based on their appearance.
Walking down the runway bravely and proudly, she wore a long ivory dress embellished with colourful embroidery in pink, red, green and other hues. “This walk was important to me because there are so many girls like me who are survivors of acid attacks, and this walk is to promote a ban on the sale of corrosive substances used to maim thousands of women and children each year”, said Reshma. The collection, called A Tale of Two Cities, was inspired by the Taj Mahal and the rich, buoyant colours of magnificent India.
Actress Sunny leone, who also walked the ramp for Kochhar, said, “We need to take one second and look at Reshma and see how strong she is, how she has changed her life. And I think people can draw strength from that.”
After enduring skin graft surgeries and contemplating suicide, she met the founder of Make love Not Scars, a group that helps survivors of gender-based crimes. Reshma is the face of the group’s online video campaign, which has been viewed by 1.3 million people and led to her appearance in New York. The fashion show was a part of a campaign, #IAmNYFW, which aims to increase diversity in fashion.