SUPPORT SPECTRUM: THE AUTISM SPECTRUM FASHION COLLECTION THAT ONLY KNOWLEDGE CAN BUY.

• 17 designers in the region join awareness campaign “#SupportSpectrum” to create a 21 piece spectrum colour collection
• The fashion collection is available to buy in an online auction from 2nd – 10th April, with four pieces only available to purchasewith knowledge until 30th April.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 2, 2021– Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs launched “#SupportSpectrum” in line with this year’s World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April). The campaign seeks to raise awareness and better the public’s understanding of autism by transforming knowledge into currency through a unique creative concept and donation mechanic. The initiative reimagines the colours of the autism spectrum and translates them into beautiful, limited-edition fashion pieces, specially tailored by a host of world-renowned designers. The exclusive collection will be auctioned through the campaign’s dedicated website, whereby donors can choose to bid by making a financial contribution to the cause or by becoming more knowledgeable about autism. Those who choose to bid using knowledge will be provided with vital, and most often unknown, information on the condition and asked to complete a series of questions to validate their entries. In turn, this transforms their new understanding of autism into a currency that they can use to bid for some of the most exclusive designer pieces.

17 designers from across the region have joined with Senses to #SupportSpectrum and help create the Autism Spectrum Collection. MarMar Halim,Okhtein, Roni Helou, Rami Kadi, SI-Fashion, PayalSinghal, Jessica-K, Mrs Keepa, Vanina, Aura, Arshys, CHI-KA, Style your Armoire, Native, Anomalous, Rani Zakhem and Hussein Bazaza are all taking part in the initiative and each designer has created a one-off bespoke piece inspired by the seven colours of the spectrum. These designers are joining the movement to raise awareness on Autism and encourage fashion lovers in the Middle East to purchase one of their limited edition pieces either with money or, for the MarMar Halim, Okhtein, Native or Roni Helou pieces, with knowledge.

Dr. Nadia Khalil Al Sayegh, Director General of The Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs (SENSES) said: “Although there is a general awareness of the condition, we need to increase the understanding and acceptance of those with autism within the community. Fashion in this region is close to many people’s hearts, so by creating our very own spectrum collection we hope to appeal to a whole new audience and help to educate them in the complexities of autism. We are so thankful to all the designers who got involved with the initiative and helped to make our vision a reality. We have a truly unique collection which we’re delighted to be able to share and we hope that the money, and knowledge, raised from the auction really makes a difference”.

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day, with the goal of bringing the world’s attention to autism. This day is a yearly reminder that the World Autism Awareness Day’s vision of successful community inclusion is one step closer to becoming a reality.