Manish Malhotra to showcase first UK collection at Gala Charity Fundraiser

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra will be making his UK catwalk debut at a Gala Fundraiser in aid of The Angeli Foundation, a charity that works to empower the Girl Child in India. The gala event in association with Rivaage Boutique, will take place at the prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel, a venue truly befitting Mumbai’s master couturier, on Saturday 23 February (2013). The question is which of his Bollywood buddies are going to appear on the ramp for this very worthy cause? Malhotra selected The Angeli Foundation as the charity of choice for his UK launch after the horrific rape incident in Delhi highlighted the shocking inequality and attitudes towards women in our country. The Angeli Foundation works to ‘Save the Girl Child’ and redress the balance for women who are treated as second-class citizens throughout their lives. From female foeticide to limiting healthcare and education in favour of male siblings, to bride burnings, unreported rapes and acid attacks, inequality exists from womb to woman. Manish said of his support for The Angeli Foundation: “I work in an industry where women are revered and respected. I have had the privilege of dressing some of the most beautiful and powerful women in the world, but when I step out of the door and into the stark reality of the streets, I see the injustice and inequality all around me. The Angeli Foundation is providing an invaluable service to these girls and women. The charity helps them raise their self-esteem, confidence and ultimately value themselves enough to get a voice. Without women, I wouldn’t be where I am today and so I want to give what I can back to an organisation like Angeli that celebrates womanhood.” Proceeds from ticket sales and an exclusive live auction will go to two specific projects run by The Angeli Foundation: • The Gayatri Education Programme which provides girl students with the skills they need to succeed • Mobile Medical Clinics to visit girl’s schools and provide heath checks on a regular basis Angeli Kapoor Puri, chair of The Angeli Foundation said of Manish’s support: “The Angeli Foundation was established in India eight years ago, but is in its infancy in the UK. The support of India’s most successful stylist and designer will help increase awareness of our work amongst the communities there and help us raise funds for these critical projects in India.” The Manish Malhotra Fashion Extravaganza in aid of The Angeli Foundation and in association with Rivaage Boutique will be attended by a host of special celebrity guests from the worlds of international film, fashion and entertainment, with some very exciting surprise stars appearing on the catwalk!