The Love Coat project was an initiative carried out by the London College of Fashion and IRD/Blumont TIGER girls in July 2017 to create warm, fashionable winter coats.
In November 2016, Helen Storey, Professor of Fashion Science at the University of the Arts, London, joined IRD/Blumont TIGER girls in a focus group discussion to hear and learn about their hopes and dreams for the future. The girls shared their interest in fashion and accessories, their apprehension of winter, and their desire to help people in their community who cannot afford clothes for the winter months. Based on the discussion, TIGER staff designed and developed a project for the girls to pursue and turn this desire into reality.
With the guidance and support of their sewing teachers and beauty salon coaches, the TIGER girls used second-hand clothes from recycling sites in Za’atari Camp to decorate thermal blanket material and make their own Love Coats. As a culmination of their efforts, the girls participated in a fashion show at the end of the project, during which they showcased their style, strong character, and brand new coats.
Special thanks to IRD/Blumont’s staff, UNHCR and partner NGOs, Syrian volunteers and the Za’atari community.
TIGER is an initiative of the UNHCR-funded Community Based Support for Refugees 3 (CBSR 3), implemented by IRD/Blumont.
