The auction of a clothing collection inspired by harrowing journeys made by refugees has raised more than $3000 for charity.
Pieces from Footscray designer Iva Pfeiffer’s collection went under the hammer last week, with all proceeds donated to UNHCR, the leading charity supporting refugees.
Ms Pfeiffer said each of the garments was inspired by the story of refugees she had met.
Ms Pfeiffer, one of just a handful of emerging designers invited to the recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia showcase, said the auction in Sydney last week had exceeded all expectations.
“It went really well … I was very emotional to see the turnout,” she said. “People were very generous,
“I sold a few garments and a lot of people made donations as well.”
Ms Pfeiffer said the event had been organised with help from the UNHCR and Raffles College of Design and Commerce, where she studied before her move to Footscray.
“The UNHCR told me that, whatever happened on the night, it was great for them as an opportunity to promote the issue,” she said.
“I get very passionate about it; for me it’s a situation where, as a designer, I can highlight this issue of forced migration.
“I’m very much interested in human rights and the human aspect of this global issue.”
