Acid Burn Victim Will Walk Runway During New York Fashion Week

Two years ago, a 17-year-old girl’s life was changed forever after a vicious attack left her face severely disfigured.

In may of 2014, Reshma Queresha was headed to school in the northern Indian town of Allahabad when three assailants pinned her down to the ground and doused her face with concentrated sulfuric acid. The attack was arranged by her brother-in-law who was seeking revenge against her sister for taking their son.

Fast forward to September 8, 2016, Quereshi has been given the opportunity walk the runway in the event of the year at New York Fashion Week. According to FTL Moda President Llaria Niccolini, the now 19-year-old Quereshi will open for Mumbai-based designer Archana Kochhar.

Quereshi grew up in a “very poor” area of India, but she will be modeling for Kochhar, which is known for its trendy style representing luxury and decadence. “We love the idea of combining these two worlds to see how they can work together and send a message,” Niccolini said.

Quereshi’s participation at New York Fashion Week is part of the #TakeBeautyBack campaign, in collaboration with Fashion Week Online and the Global Disability Inclusion, according to ABC News.

Niccolini stated, “My vision was: let’s push boundaries to include diversity in the fashion industry.”

A non-profit organization named “Make Love Not Scars” has made Quereshi the face of their campaign. They believe she can give a voice to the attack survivors, and help bring an end to the prevalence of acid attacks. Last month, the organization posted a video about Quereshi when she found out about that she would be modeling at the New York Fashion Week.

Fashion Week Online reports that nearly 1,000 acid attacks are reported in India every year, and 90% of the survivors are women.

We congratulate Quereshi on her upcoming role in New York Fashion Week, and commend her for her bravery in giving a voice to those who have suffered similar attacks.

[H/T ABC News]