NEW YORK DESIGNER MEREDITH BANZHOFF INTRODUCES THE MBxHK COLLECTION, A COLLABORATION WITH REFUGEE WOMEN IN KENYA

When New York designer Meredith Banzhoff participated last year’s Heshima Kenya Fashion Challenge in Chicago, little did she know that her future collection would be inspired and made by women from the other side of the world.

Heshima Kenya specializes in identifying and protecting unaccompanied and separated refugee children and youth, especially girls, young women and their children living in Nairobi, Kenya From countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi, these young refugees have experienced the detrimental effects of war, the loss of their families, and in many cases, kidnapping, rape, trafficking, unlawful detainment, and torture. Heshima Kenya provides them with shelter, education, vocational training, case management support and advocacy.

Banzhoff was first introduced to Heshima Kenya through a stylist friend who recommended she participate in the Fashion Challenge. Upon understanding the mission, she was drawn to one specific education program: The Maisha Collective. A peer-driven initiative, The Maisha Collective teaches women leadership and business management through the design and production of hand-dyed scarves and textiles. As part of the Fashion Challenge, designers were required to create a garment utilizing Heshima Kenya scarves.

“In The Maisha Collective, these refugee women are given the opportunity to not only learn life-long business skills, but also develop their confidence and prepare them for future independence,” explains Banzhoff. “Starting your own business can be exciting yet scarey, but after you do it, you become unstoppable.”

Banzhoff, who launched her own line in 2013, was an expert tailor in the fashion industry who recognized a void in the market for sophisticated shirting options for women. So she reconstructed the ever-popular button down and created a full collection of perfectly fitted shirts. Now, she’s added blouses, shirt-dresses and other styles to the Meredith Banzhoff brand.

The MBxHK will feature dresses and blouses in thirteen styles made from textiles dyed by the women in The Maisha Collective.

“Meredith’s brand represents the same values upheld by Heshima Kenya; namely, a passionate commitment to designing exceptionally beautiful products that empower and inspire women and girls around the world,” adds Alisa Roadcup, U.S. Executive Director of Heshima Kenya.

MBxHK will be available Spring 2016 and can be delivered to retail buyers by January 15, 2016. You can view the collection at www.meredithbanzhoff.com or request a line sheet by contacting sales@meredithbanzhoff.com.