Fashion Brunch's show returns with Asian cancer patients and survivors
Under the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ for International Women’s Day 2024, the runway spotlight will turn to ten incredibly courageous women, including cancer patients and survivors
By Vibhuti PathakMar 05, 2024
In a remarkable annual return on International Women's Day, the Fashion Brunch, curated by Creative Director Anisha Vasani, has once again defied conventional norms, celebrating women with diverse backgrounds and challenges.
Departing from traditional fashion shows, this event has become a beacon of empowerment, uniting women from various walks of life and inspiring pride in their uniqueness.
Under the theme 'Inspire Inclusion' for International Women's Day 2024, the runway spotlight will turn to ten incredibly courageous women, including cancer patients and survivors.
Set to showcase stunning designs by Nikaza Asian Couture and Deesh London, these women will not only grace the runway but also share their inspirational stories of resilience, courage, and triumph over adversity.
Among these remarkable individuals is Kreena Dhiman, a breast cancer survivor with a gripping story.
“We know that black and brown people face inequalities when it comes to cancer care. South Asian Supernovas was established to close the cancer care gap through education, awareness and representation. Through the South Asian Supernovas community, a space has been created to allow patients to be seen and heard throughout their cancer experience” said Dhiman, founder of South Asian Supernovas and a breast cancer survivor.
Dhiman emphasised the inequalities faced by black and brown communities in cancer care. The community she established aims to bridge this gap through education, awareness, and representation, providing a space for cancer patients to be seen and heard throughout their journey.
Another noteworthy participant is Veronica Mehta, an influential figure in the South Asian community and a renowned R&B/Bhangra artist. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, she temporarily withdrew from the public eye to focus on her healing journey.
Mehta, who recently made a comeback with a new single called 'Gone', expressed excitement about being part of such a transformative event, uniting cancer survivors to share their stories with strength and style.
In its fifth year, the Fashion Brunch continues to break barriers and redefine beauty standards. Vasani expressed her pride in championing the journeys of these ten courageous cancer warriors. Beyond a mere fashion event, the Fashion Brunch serves as a platform to uplift and celebrate the indomitable spirit of women worldwide.
“lnternational Women’s Day is a celebration of strength, resilience, and empowerment, and as the Creative Director of The Fashion Brunch event which l have been curating for the past 5 years, celebrating empowering women, it’s my honour to champion the incredible journey of ten courageous cancer warriors. Through this event, we aim to showcase their beauty, grace, and unwavering spirit, highlighting their inspiring stories of survival and hope,” says Vasani.
The event, hosted at the exquisite 'Courtyard by Marriott' in London, promises not only a celebration of empowerment but also a showcase of women's economic, social, cultural, and political achievements. Partnering with 'Recommendasian,' a platform supporting and uplifting 75,000 women, aligns seamlessly with the Fashion Brunch's values of inclusion and empowerment.
Zamiha Desai, Founder of Recommendasian, highlighted the importance of this celebration, emphasising its inspiration from a business strategy session where the challenges faced by women with life-threatening illnesses were brought to light. With an anticipated attendance of 300-350 dynamic women, the fifth anniversary of the Fashion Brunch is set to be a grand congregation, offering liberty, recognition, and exhilaration.
The Fashion Brunch represents Vasani's visionary journey, where guests not only shop, network, and brunch but also engage in uplifting panel discussions, share inspirational stories, and witness a captivating fashion show. The event aligns seamlessly with the values of International Women's Day, embodying the theme of the year.
Anila Dhami (Photo credit: @AnilaDhami)
“l am so pleased to be hosting The Fashion Brunch for a fourth consecutive year! l love being involved because it is such an empowering and impactful event where women are honest and open on the panel chat; supportive as they network; lift one another as they share their stories. lt embodies the values of lnternational Women’s Day, particularly with the event entering on the theme of the year," says Anila Dhami, Presenter at ITV and Channel 5 News.
Margot Robbie revealed a bedazzled thong beneath a sheer Armani Privé gown at a London premiere.
Dakota Johnson attended Kering’s Caring for Women gala in New York in a floral-embroidered sheer Gucci dress.
The two separate outings in different cities fuelled the naked dressing conversation across red carpets.
The trend of sheer, lingerie-inspired couture continues to dominate major events in 2025.
Margot Robbie bares her butt in one high-profile moment while Dakota Johnson made headlines for a separate sheer Gucci look, but the two were not at the same event. Robbie returned to the red carpet in London wearing a sheer Armani Privé couture gown that exposed a bedazzled thong, while Johnson attended Kering’s Caring for Women gala in New York in a see-through Gucci dress embroidered with floral motifs. Together, the appearances proved how naked dressing like sheer fabrics and lingerie silhouettes is shaping this year’s red carpet conversations across different cities.
Margot Robbie’s thong and Dakota Johnson’s sheer Gucci prove naked dressing is ruling 2025 red carpets Getty Images
What happened at the London premiere?
Robbie wore an Armani Privé gown with a sheer base and ornate beadwork for the London premiere of her new film. The gown’s design revealed a sparkling thong when she turned, a detail that drew immediate attention on the carpet. Her styling was pared back; a sleek updo and bronzed makeup allowing the couture piece to be the focal point of the appearance.
Margot Robbie attends the European Premiere of "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" at Odeon Luxe LeicesterGetty Images
What did Dakota Johnson wear at Kering’s Caring for Women gala in New York?
Dakota Johnson arrived at the Kering-hosted Caring for Women gala in a sheer Gucci gown embroidered with floral details that revealed a matching bra and underwear set beneath. Styled to balance transparency with tailoring, Johnson’s look followed her ongoing collaboration with Gucci, maintaining her reputation for daring red carpet choices.
Dakota Johnson attends the Kering Foundation's Fourth Annual Caring for Women Dinner at The Pool Getty Images
Were Margot Robbie and Dakota Johnson at the same event?
No, the two stars were photographed in separate cities. Robbie’s naked dressing moment occurred on the London red carpet for her film premiere, while Johnson’s sheer Gucci look was on show at the charity gala in New York. Both looks emerged within a similar timeframe and together highlighted how sheer dressing is appearing simultaneously on international red carpets.
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Why is naked dressing dominating red carpets in 2025?
Sheer fabrics, strategically placed embellishments and lingerie-inspired silhouettes have become ubiquitous at major events this year. Designers from Gucci to Mugler and Valentino continue to reinterpret transparency through couture techniques, making the trend both a design challenge and a red carpet focal point. For public figures, these looks offer a way to make a fashion statement while tapping into ongoing conversations about personal expression and couture craftsmanship.
Both Robbie’s Armani Privé gown and Johnson’s Gucci creation are clear examples of how the trend is being used differently: Robbie’s moment was a revealing, head-turning red carpet stunt connected to a film premiere, while Johnson’s was a polished, fashion-house statement at a high-profile charity event and together they emphasise why naked dressing remains one of 2025’s most talked-about fashion movements.
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Bangladesh lost two early wickets in their chase, but Litton built a 95-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35, to take the team to 144-3 in 17.4 overs. (Photo: c
CAPTAIN Litton Das scored 59 to guide Bangladesh to a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong in their opening Asia Cup match on Thursday.
Invited to bat first in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong made 143-7 with Nizakat Khan top-scoring on 42.
Bangladesh lost two early wickets in their chase, but Litton built a 95-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35, to take the team to 144-3 in 17.4 overs. Litton reached his half-century in 33 balls before being dismissed by medium-pacer Ateeq Iqbal. Towhid then hit the winning run.
"Very important to win the first game," said Litton, who was named player of the match. "Last couple of series, we have played good cricket. But in Asia Cup, little bit of pressure comes automatically."
This was Bangladesh’s first T20 win over Hong Kong, who had beaten them in their only previous meeting in 2014.
Hong Kong suffered their second loss in Group B, which also features Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan beat Hong Kong by 94 runs in the tournament opener.
In their innings, Hong Kong lost two quick wickets before Nizakat added 41 with Zeeshan Ali, who made 30. He then put on 46 with captain Yasim Murtaza, who scored 28 off 19 balls. Murtaza was run out and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain struck twice in the next over, including Nizakat’s wicket.
"I am happy with the way our batters scored," said Murtaza. "But I will be happier if we got 160-170 plus -- that would be a different total."
Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with 2-21 in four overs, while Taskin Ahmed and Rishad also claimed two wickets each.
Bangladesh slipped to 47-2 in reply but Litton and Towhid steadied the chase.
Pakistan face Oman on Friday in Dubai. The Asia Cup is also a build-up to the T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Winds could reach 70–80mph in the most exposed coastal areas
Met Office issues yellow warning from 8pm Sunday to 6pm Monday
Winds could reach 70–80mph in the most exposed coastal areas
Travel disruption and risk of falling debris expected
Residents urged to secure outdoor items ahead of stormy conditions
Strong winds expected across southern and western UK
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning ahead of the weekend, with winds of up to 80mph forecast to affect large parts of the UK. The alert will be in place from 8pm on Sunday until 6pm on Monday.
The warning covers much of west and southwest England and Wales, along with the entire southern coast of England. It also extends up the west coast towards Manchester. Gusts of 60mph are likely inland, rising to 70–80mph in exposed coastal areas and hilltops.
Monday morning peak
Forecasters expect the strongest winds on Monday morning, gradually moving east during the day. The Met Office has warned of delays to transport and the potential for injuries or danger to life from falling debris.
Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare by securing garden furniture, sheds, bins and other loose items.
Weather outlook before the storm
Before the weekend, Thursday will bring wind and rain to northwest Scotland, with a mix of sunshine and blustery showers elsewhere. Some showers may be heavy, with hail and thunder possible in western regions.
Friday is expected to remain breezy, with overnight showers along western coasts. Saturday could bring heavier downpours and isolated thunderstorms, alongside stronger winds and coastal gales.
Cooler but drier in the east
Eastern parts of the UK are likely to see brighter and drier spells, though temperatures will stay on the cooler side. London can expect highs of around 17–18°C across both Saturday and Sunday.
Forecasters monitoring Atlantic low pressure
Paul Gundersen, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “We have been monitoring a deepening area of low pressure over the North Atlantic that might bring impactful weather to the UK, most likely on Sunday and Monday. At present, a named storm is unlikely.”
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The Canary Wharf business district including global financial institutions in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
UK's ECONOMY showed no growth in July, according to official data released on Friday, adding to a difficult week for prime minister Keir Starmer’s government.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product was flat in July, following a 0.4 per cent rise in June.
The government has faced two major setbacks this week. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned over failing to pay a property tax, and on Thursday, Starmer dismissed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after new disclosures about his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
While the July GDP figure matched market expectations, limiting the effect on the pound, the government admitted challenges in lifting growth.
"We know there's more to do to boost growth, because, whilst our economy isn't broken, it does feel stuck," a Treasury spokesperson said, as Labour prepared for its budget announcement in late November.
The data showed a 1.3 per cent fall in production, offsetting gains in services and construction.
"The stagnation in real GDP in July shows that the economy is still struggling to gain decent momentum in the face of the drag from previous hikes in taxes and possible further tax rises to come in the budget," said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said last week that she would maintain a "tight grip" on public spending, setting November 26 for her budget speech.
The UK economy has faced weak growth since Reeves raised taxes and reduced public spending after Labour’s election win in July last year.
Separate ONS data on Friday showed exports of goods to the United States rose in July but stayed below levels seen before US president Donald Trump’s tariff measures.
Exports to the US increased by £800 million after London and Washington reached a trade deal that eased some tariffs, particularly on UK-made vehicles.
Trump will visit the UK next week for a state visit that includes talks with Starmer and a banquet hosted by King Charles.
IN MY entrepreneurial journey, I have noticed that crises happen out of the blue. In fact, global crises are more than not, unpredicted. Sadly, the same is true in one’s personal and family life, where everything can turn on a dime.
On December 23, last year, at 2:15 am, our 26-year daughter Zara fell off the terrace outside her first-floor bedroom at our house in Cape Town. It was a freak accident, and it happens, her younger brother and sister were awake and saw her fall.
We all rushed down and she was lifeless. We thought she had died.
I was tempted to pick her up and rush her to the hospital in our car, but our nephew – who is trained in first aid – said to not touch her.
This probably saved her life.
Two ambulances arrived within 15 minutes, and they got no response from her. I went with her in the ambulance.
We rushed her to one hospital, who turned her away saying it was too serious, and then to the Vincent Pallotti, a level one trauma hospital, which took her in.
Scans showed she had broken her neck seriously, with a shattered vertebra, and damaged her spinal cord.
As luck would have it, Dr David Welsh, one of the leading neurosurgeons in Cape Town and in South Africa, happened to be on duty that day. He said he had to perform an emergency operation within 12 hours of the accident and wanted permission to administer a controversial drug. He went ahead and said there was no prediction of the outcome.
Lord Karan Bilimoria with his daughter Zara
Zara, of course, was emotionally distraught. Naturally, it was a question of “why me?”, when in the past few years she had had two near death experiences, contracting bacterial meningitis, followed a few years later to sepsis in London.
She said in tears, “Daddy, surely this is the third time and the last time”. In the ICU, I said to her, “we will get through this together.” I did not leave Zara’s side from that moment until two months later.
In the ICU, the miracle of the South African physiotherapists and occupational therapists started to take place. They forcibly moved her limbs which were completely paralysed.
She could not use her thumbs, or hold anything, nor could she turn in bed. It was a pathetic sight, we had no idea what the outcome would be.
I would cry in the bathroom, so she would not see me, and I would cry all the way home late at night after she had gone to sleep, returning early in the morning before the staff on duty changed. Zara left the ICU after eight days. We were told that normally after an accident such as hers, patients are in the unit for 40 days.
I checked her into residential rehab near our home, where they told me she would be there for three months. We had to leave her on New Year’s Eve, in tears, as no visitors were allowed after 7 pm.
Nine days later, Zara walked out of the residential rehab unaided and continued the rehab thereafter as an outpatient. Her attitude throughout this was one of determination, resilience and going the extra mile. Every time she was asked to do certain exercises; she would do two or three extra repetitions.
We took her to see the surgeon who performed her operation, three weeks after her accident.
When she walked into his consulting rooms, he said, “You are one of my Christmas miracles”, and told me and my wife that normally patients do not walk again after such an injury. My wife spontaneously burst into tears, and I felt like I had been punched in the chest.
Zara returned home at the end of February and a month later, on April 1, started work initially from home, building up to today — back at work full time.
From the time of the accident, prayers were said for her all over the world. In Parsi fire temples in Hyderabad, my home city, in Delhi, in Udvada by one of the Parsi high priests in India, in Mumbai, in Iran by the Zoroastrian head priest, in Sikh gurdwaras, in Hindu temples, in Christian churches, in the UK and in India.
My mother would quote Alfred Lord Tennyson, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”.
Through those early days, no surgeon I consulted in South Africa, in the UK, in India, and in the United States, could give me any hope except one, the famous UK based neurosurgeon Dr Alagappan Sivaraman (known as Siva), who was introduced to me by our family friend in Hyderabad, Dr Rashna Chenoy.
Siva told me within a few days of the accident, when Zara was showing signs of some improvement, “Please have faith, she will be running within three months”. He ended up being right.
When no one offers hope, and you are staring into the abyss, not knowing whether your daughter might be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and one person gives you hope – it means more than I could ever express.
Our family has been through a living nightmare, and to hell and back.
However, the stars aligning, the serendipity, the luck, the good fortune, starting with Zara falling and her head missing the stone corner of the veranda by literally an inch, to our nephew stopping me from picking her up which could have severed her spinal cord completely, to Dr Welsh being on duty that morning, performing the emergency operation in time and decompressing her spinal cord, it has all been remarkable, it has truly been a miracle. God is great.
Zara’s attitude and spirit throughout, and her determination, is an inspiration to us all.
What these past nine months have highlighted more than ever, is that your family is the most important thing by far; everything else comes second, by a long way. Looking at Zara now, it is as if nothing had ever happened.