2nd Annual Afghan Hands and Orlane Fundraiser

Cynthia Nixon and Claire Danes

Orlane Crème Royale

The shawls and scarves for sale are beautifully handcrafted and embroidered by Afghan master embroiderers

Photos by fashionablypetite.com

On September 30th, I attended the 2nd Annual Afghan Hands and Orlane Fundraiser, hosted by Longchamp at their Soho store. Click here to read about last year's Afghan Hands Fundraiser.

Attendees included Cynthia Nixon, Claire Danes, Kelly Bensimon, Jessica Seinfeld, Ryan McGinness, Lara Meiland-Shaw and Emma Snowdon-Jones.

The event was a huge success, raising $45,000 for Afghan Hands with over 250 guests in attendance. The event was sponsored by Orlane, Paris in memory of Nazaneen Toloui, a former VP of Orlane and the first board member of Afghan Hands.

This year there was an auction including a two-night package at L'Ermitage in Beverly Hills valued at $2,000 and a two-night package at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur valued at $3253.45. There were also pledges taken for different levels of support for the women of Afghan Hands.

Afghan Hands is a non-profit organization that teaches skills to help Afghan widows gain independence, literacy and livable wages. You can learn more about Afghan Hands at www.afghanhands.org.

- Kim Weling

Here are some more photos taken by Neil Rasmus / BFA

Left: Matin Maulawizada

Right: Jessica Seinfeld

Left: Kelly Bensimon

Right: Emma Snowdon-Jones

Jack Sandbach

Orlane Cocktail Party to Benefit Afghan Hands

Orlane held a benefit on June 2nd to benefit Afghan Hands at the Spring Street Longchamp store. Unique hand-embroidered shawls, scarves and throws made of cashmere, wool, pure cotton and pure silk were available for purchase, designed by master embroiderers and artisans. Shawls ranged from $125 to $400, scarves from $100 to $175 and throws from $250 to $800. 100% of the profits from each purchase support education and expansion of Afghan Hands workshops. The program allows widows in Afghanistan to learn how to read and write, work toward obtaining a high school degree and livable wage job. “Our goal is to teach Afghan women their legal, human and religious rights so NO ONE can ever imprison them again in the name of law, honor or religion.”

Hors d’oeuvres were provided by Convivium Catering. Orlane gift bags included deluxe samples of repairing night cream, abdomen firm and reshape body care and anti-fatigue recovery serum, masque and cleansing serum for the eyes.

You can still make purchases online or learn more about Afghan Hands at www.afghanhands.org.