A Better Tomorrow: Iraqi refugee girls find new lives in fashion world

World
Europe

01:35

Displacement from war and violence can be traumatic. But this group of displaced Iraq refugee girls is discovering joy in unusual and unexpected ways. CGTN'S Su Xiaoxiao has more.

These smiling faces are brimming with confidence. It's a special fashion show in the Jordanian capital of Amman. The event features dozens of girls who fled from Iraq in the face of ISIL threats. With the help from an Italian charity, these girls found a new life in the world of fashion.

HADEEL LACOUR IRAQI REFUGEE "Today we have our anniversary made by our hands."

Three years ago, Hadeel came to Jordan from Mosul a war-battered town in search of a better life.

HADEEL LACOUR IRAQI REFUGEE "I'd like to be a designer."

The girls created their own fashion brand called "Rafedin" which refers to two major rivers in Iraq, symbolizing hope and life. The dresses all feature the label: Made by Iraqi Girls. Their style combines Middle Eastern and Western tastes.

With help from United Nations as well as Iraqi and Italian diplomats, Rafedin is catching on. All the money from the sale of the clothes belongs to these girls, but they say walking out from the shadow of war and feeling happy is more important. Su Xiaoxiao, CGTN.