Behnood Javaherpour, Founder and Creative Director at BEHNOODE is donating 100 per cent of his revenue to help children in Nepal.
The Middle Eastern-based menswear designer recently unveiled his new autumn/winter 2020-21 collection, “Beauty Behind the Barriers” which will see all proceeds being donated to charity.
“Even though I was not supposed to launch a new collection this season, I have pursued to still join the recent Arab Fashion Week hoping that I could use this platform to reach more audiences and like-minded people who would like to help and contribute to the causes and charity initiatives that I do.” Creative Director Behnood Javaherpour explained.
BEHNOODE Foundation
Founder Behnood Javaherpour decided to set up a foundation in 2016 when he was visiting Nepal on a trekking expedition to the base camp of Mount Everest. After experiencing poverty and seeing the malnutrition in the children he immediately wanted to help.
Behnood has spent time teaching some of the children supported by the charity, many of whom have to walk for up to two hours each way a day, just to get an education. Behnood visits Nepal 4 times a year providing backpacks with basic essentials needed for their schooling along with medicines, food and money. Behnood visits Nepal 4 times a year providing backpacks with basic essentials needed for their schooling along with medicines, food and money.
To find out more about the plans for this project as well as a look at the latest collection, we talk to Behnood Javaherpour.
You have pledged to donate 100 per cent of revenue from your upcoming collection to help children in Nepal – why is this a cause that’s important to you?
I’m passionate about helping underprivileged children develop their education. I have witnessed the poverty in Nepal and knowing I can make a difference is my purpose in life.
How will the money you are donating be spent?
I am in the process of building a school in Nepal. I have witnessed these children walk two hours a day each way, enduring extreme weather conditions just to get an education that is provided for only six months of the year. My school will provide education all year round.
Can you tell us about some of the charity work you have done so far in Nepal?
I have set up the Behnoode Charity Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the children of Nepal. We work closely with the Nepal Youth Foundation and Namche Bazaar Child Welfare School. My foundation provides basic essentials, food, money and backpacks to support these children.
Why do you think it’s important for these children to express their creativity?
I teach art classes at these organisations to inspire them to bring out their own creativity. I feel it’s important for the children to have a creative outlet. I spent four days last year teaching a sketching class.
What would you like to see happen moving forward with the children you have visited?
I would like to see them develop and grow. I want them to gain an academic education so that they may build a strong stable foundation for their life. I would adopt them all if I could.
What can readers do to help?
They can donate directly to the Behnoode Charity Foundation.
Autumn/Winter 2020-21 Collection
What can you tell us about your autumn/winter collection?
The AW20/21 collection entitled “Beauty Behind The Barriers” explores the relationship between human external public persona versus the inner authentic self.
The collection is a mixture of checked and patterned suits with shades of earthy and natural tones such as brown soil, green leaf and cloudy sky as well as classic Signature BEHNOODE suits and trench coats.
We live in a world dominated by power, wealth and celebrity and its influence can create a projection of an altered reality. This season I want to explore the valour behind the veil and the beauty behind the barriers. The authenticity of the individual soul by dissolving away the external appearance and revealing the genuine grace within.
What can you share with us about your design aesthetic and creative process?
Classic Sophisticated Luxury is my design aesthetics. I believe style should be timeless and elegant with a touch of art.
Autumn/Winter 2020-21 Collection
What are your thoughts on the fashion industry in the Middle East?
I believe that luxury, elegance and style is part of the Middle Eastern fashion culture. We take pride in our appearance.
Who or what inspires you?
Art inspires me and I travel the world attending art fairs, meeting different artists, and seeing their paintings. I am so passionate about art that I do collaborations with the ones who influence me. Nothing inspires me more than seeing their paintings on my jackets.
What is the professional motto you live by?
Make style your signature.
What is something you would still like to do with your brand that you haven’t done yet?
There is so much more I want to do with Behnoode. My dream is to make it into a lifestyle brand. This is just the beginning…
Autumn/Winter 2020-21 Collection
You established your brand in Italy – what does the concept of Made in Italy mean to you?
Italians are known for their excellence in expressing their style. They have an elegant unique attitude. The craftsmanship in Italy is world-renowned.
Where would you like to be with your brand in five years time?
Global Domination!
How would you describe your brand in one sentence?
Luxury couture menswear with an artistic twist.
