The Spectrum of Resilience

An evocative soundwave visualisation that transforms the words of survivors of acid attacks into a tangible representation of strength and endurance.

Each wave echoes a story of survival, creating a bridge between personal tragedy and collective empathy. The works are a tribute to the resilience of these women and a beacon of awareness, amplifying their voices in support of their recovery and reintegration into society.

Each spoken word became a soundwave print. The women of Ara Lumiere turned these prints into scarves, presented in a box together with a card describing the work.

Florencia S.M. Brück, in collaboration with Dominique Lunetta and Ara Lumiere.

Ara Lumiere

Ara Lumiere was founded by Kulsum Shadab Wahab, its creative director, and brought together under the Hothur Foundation. Working closely with survivors of acid attacks, it accompanies each woman towards healing: through medical aid such as skin banking, usually an extensive course of surgeries in a year, and through mental health aid in a safe environment that helps the women re-establish themselves in society, a process not bound by time.

The women are the heart of the project, a flow of art and fashion that speaks of resilience and strength, working towards their self-sufficiency and livelihood. In an effort towards sustainability and to preserve the handloom treasures of the country, Ara Lumiere recycles, reuses and upcycles embellishments, fabrics and jewelled adornments, giving each material a new life, like the one these women are living.

Victory Over Violence

The work was presented during Milan Fashion Week at Portrait Milano, alongside the Hothur Foundation and the Only The Brave Foundation, under the banner Victory Over Violence. The evening set out to bring a piece of India to Milan: in collaboration with the Leela, synonymous with Indian luxury and heritage, every element, from the décor to the artisanal drinks and curated keepsakes, reflected the vibrant essence of Indian culture, in a venue that merged Italian sophistication with Indian grandeur.

In the midst of Fashion Week, the evening celebrated victory over violence. Arianna Alessi, at the helm of OTB, gave a deeply moving account of her journey working with women who have endured unimaginable hardships, and of the unbreakable spirit of these survivors: true strength is found in resilience and solidarity. Her words echoed a call to action: ‘When we stand together, no force can silence the voices of women rising from violence.’

Mr Capasa offered his support to these women and emphasised the vital role fashion plays in their empowerment. Mr Renzo Rosso shared his vision for the cause, underscoring the importance of working together as a community to make the world a better place.

With heartfelt thanks to the friends who were there to support the evening.