A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of getting glam for a good cause, supporting one of my favourite Vancouver designers Obakki, at their Walk for Water Fashion Show Benefit at Holt Renfrew. Some of fashion’s best from South Sudan and Canada came together for a night of style and philanthropy with the goal of bringing clean water to those in need. 100% of ticket proceeds went directly to the Obakki Foundation‘s clean water projects.

Obakki’s Treana Peake gives the opening speech.

The red carpet reception was hosted by my friend, style and media personality Susie Wall with live entertainment during the evening from some of South Sudan’s own.

Red Carpet Host Susie Wall & I in Obakki

Guest speakers included South Sudanese actor and UN Refugee Goodwill Ambassador Ger Duany and model, DJ and activist Mari Malek that shared incredibly emotional and touching words from their own past experiences.

Mari Malek giving her speech with Treana Peake looking on.

“Be yourself, don’t be afraid of saying who you are,” a quote from Supermodel Heather Marks who opened the runway show joined by some of the most elite international models in the world including Tasha Tilberg, Ajak Deng, Grace Bol, Achok Majak and Mari Agory; united in bringing to life Obakki designer Treana Peake‘s vision to see fashion and philanthropy join forces to create positive change in the world. For her charity show, she used the fluidity of water as an inspiration while showcasing her SS16 and FW16 collections.

Heather Marks backstage

Tasha Tilberg hitting the runway

South Sudanese & Canadian Models

The evening wrapped up with a unique hip hop performance by acclaimed musician and social change-maker Emmanuel Jal that brought the crowd to their feet.

Musical Guest Emmanuel Jal

345 million people in Africa live without water. The Obakki Foundation is a non-profit organization that funds large projects including the clean water project that specifically work to drill wells, monitor their adoption and expand development in villages that are in urgent need. Peake says since 2009, her charity has built over 850 clean water wells in high-conflict zones.

If you would like to donate to help give water or find out how to become a donor partner, click here. 100% of public donations go directly to these projects.

Dress | Hair | Makeup | Shoes | Styling

Photography by Evaan Kheraj

I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

Natalie xo