London designer saves ladies' day

She even threw in a few gowns, shoes and bags for the women.

The Tapestry of Dreams non-profit project is run by Heather Costaras and Roz Thomas.

It has assisted 10 women from Khethani township, in the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal, “who were making a difference in their community, to start their own businesses”, Costaras said.

She told The Times that, thanks to sponsorship by ChemCity, a Sasol Group company, the women are now running successful bakery, greeting cards and candle- and soap-making businesses.

This weekend, 21 November 2009, the women will travel to Johannesburg where they will attend a gala dinner and be “treated like queens”.

They will stay at a luxury hotel, have their make-up and hair done, and receive a R2500 wardrobe from retailer Foschini.

They will be kitted out by South African designers, including Simon Rademan.

One lucky woman, Sebenzile Kubheka, will wear an exquisite off-white Vivienne Westwood gown.

Costaras approached several South African and international designers to dress the women for the evening.

Westwood contacted Costaras, asking for more information, before offering to become a sponsor and patron of the initiative.

In a video to be shown at the gala dinner, the London designer said: “Hello, I'm Vivienne Westwood. My heart goes out to you in your battle against HIV/Aids.

“I think that Sebenzile is going to look lovely in the dress that I sent. I want everybody to bid as much money as they can for the [other] dresses I sent [which will be auctioned], because fashion is here to help! Lots of love, Vivienne.”

Kubheka is a caregiver at the Isibani community centre, one of the beneficiaries of the project.

“I am so excited about this dress, it makes me feel proud [to have been selected to wear it],” she told The Times yesterday.

“It is going to be my first time in Johannesburg and my first time staying in a hotel. I am looking forward to being there,” she said.

• E-mail for tickets to the fundraising dinner, or see the Tapestry of Dreams website for more information.

Source: The Times

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