Fashion Design Masterclass Fundraiser to Empower Women in Vanadzor, Armenia

Silk scarves, design and the plight of Armenian refugees were all a part of the discussion at a unique event that took place on Sunday, October 12, in Pasadena, sponsored by Epostle.net’s outreach program, “Vibrantz for Vanadzor.”

Supporters of the program were treated to a wonderful afternoon of instruction on the art of painting silk scarves by international fashion designer, Kevork Shadoyan. This acted as an introduction to the fashion design, and more importantly to the Vibrance for Vanadzor sewing program, in its first year of operation.

Following the occupation of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, thousands of Armenians were exiled from their historic homeland, known as Nagorna Kharabakh. Without home, work, or resources, these refugees found haven in Armenia but the road to self-reliance has been marred by lack of opportunities inside of Armenia, especially in regions such as Vanadzor (third largest city in Armenia, behind Yerevan and Gyumri).

In 2024 Epostle’s outreach arm, under the banner of Vibrantz for Vanadzor worked with the local Church (Diocese of Gougark, headed by Bishop Hovnan Hakopian) to provide support for a sewing program, teaching women basic sewing skills and furnishing them with sewing machines as the foundation to build self-worth, leading to financial self-reliance.

During the Masterclass, participants had an opportunity to watch videos from the sewing program, and hear updates from Dr. Talar Tejirian, who heads the Vibrantz program for Epostle and coordinates activities with the Vanadzor team. Money collected from this event will be used to enhance and develop the sewing program to include special instructions by fashion designer Kevork Shadoyan.  Thanks to the success of this event, Shadoyan is scheduled to begin working with the sewing group in Vanadzor within the next several weeks.

We take this opportunity to acknowledge all those who supported the Masterclass, by attending and donating.
St. Gregory Armenian Church, Pasadena for furnishing the space
Home Depot, Glendale for building and donating frames for the scarves
Karoun Dairies for donating cheese and lebni

We also thank our sponsors: Platinum: Carni & Serlee Boyernian, American Tire Centers Hollywood, Hrair & Asdghig Tejirian. Gold: Dr. Raffi Tachdjian, Nadia Gozumian. Mannequin sponsors: Sossie Missirlian, Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, Tamar Ouzounian, ProPack. Donation supporters: Taline Baghdassarian, Nayree Tanossian, Ani Boyadjian, Vatche & Lara Klahejian, Vicken & Taline Kedjidjian.

Donate today to the Vibrantz for Vanadzor Sewing program by visiting our Donation page selecting “Vibrantz for Vanadzor” from the pull down menu. Mannequins may be donated at a cost of $300 each.