Rakhee Chopra has always struggled with her weight, and now the local London fashion designer is coming out with a new line of clothes fit for what she calls “real” women.
Chopra’s spring/summer collection was on display Thursday night at the Empower Your Curves fashion show. A showcase of the work she has put in for the past two years.
The garments themselves are as diverse as the models wearing them. Everything from a polka dot themed blouse to her take on the little black dress.
Chopra talks about inspires her as a designer.
“I have been overweigh my whole life and I couldn’t find clothes for myself, so that was my first inspiration. Everyone else had the same problem. I need women to love their bodies the way it is right now. Instead of waiting for when the 10 pounds are gone, or waiting for when they don’t have a double chin. This is the body that gets you there.”
Chopra’s models embody that spirit. They are everyday people with more curves than the traditional runway model. One is even her babysitter.
“I don’t need a modelling agency to get beautiful people. Beautiful people are everywhere.”
All proceeds from the event went to Power of Hope, a charity that provides clothes and Christmas packages to local children in need.
Karen Geerts, the local coordinator for London who attended the event says last year, Power of Hope helped over 800 children in the area.
Chopra says Power of Hope has a close personal connection to her own life.
“Power of Hope is very dear to me. I was in a situation where I had to leave my house with no clothes. Thankfully it didn’t happen but I thought what would have happened if I was in that situation. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to give the proceeds to them.”
