Rafaela Prifti/
“Fashion has the power to do more than showcase beauty. That philosophy inspired the AFC humanitarian fashion show after a visit to Lushnja hospital in Albania this past July,” said Roberta Panariti Nashi, Founder and President of Albanians Fighting Cancer USA, at Saturday night’s event at Fadili’s studio in New York.
On that trip, Roberta was with (Fotini) Foti Kokeri, Director and Trustee of the Kosloski Family Foundation. At that time, she also met Mirela Nurce, the celebrated Albanian fashion designer and Lushja native for the first time. Together, they first began compiling a list of the hospital’s most urgently needed equipment and shaping a project that would combine fashion and philanthropy to address the critical needs of the facility.
Dressed in Mirela’s garments, Roberta and Foti shared the emotional story of the poor conditions at the Lushnja hospital. Having given birth in both Albania and the US, Kokeri said she had experienced first hand the stark contrast between the two healthcare systems. She became emotional as she recalled “mothers giving birth under such difficult conditions.”
The initiative is part of an ongoing campaign by AFC to reach its fundraising goal of providing an incubator for infants at Lushnja Hospital. Amid the excitement of Saturday’s event, Mirela remained soft-spoken and a woman of few words, but her inspiring career spans more than three decades. Born into fashion, Nurce’s journey began in her mother’s tailoring atelier in Lushja, where she developed a distinctive style. Her innovative designs and modern approach soon established Nurce as a creative force. Over the years, Mirela’s reputation grew internationally through high-profile collaborations and fashion shows.
That same sense of purpose makes Mirela Nurce a natural partner for AFC’s initiative; not only because she was born and raised in Lushja, but also because she views fashion as a vehicle for diplomacy and social impact. Through her charity initiative, Innocence On, Nurce has created couture dresses inspired by artwork made by children with disabilities. She also collaborates with Fashion 4 Development on the UN Global Runway during the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.
On Saturday night, the models showcased Mirela Nurce’s intricate embroidery and motifs inspired by Albanian folk culture reimagined into sleek, modern, luxury designs. Avni Mustafaj, Co-chair of Germin, a vital NGO for the Albanian Diaspora, observed that the elegantly structured garments resembled the shape of a tree, particularly because of the way their necklines accentuate the upper body and elongate the silhouette. Nurce’s designs are known for being strong structure and rich textures.
With AFC supporters, models, artists, and other distinguished guests in attendance, the event blended the artistry of fashion with philanthropy and compassion. Women in attendance also supported the cause by purchasing selected garments, with 100 per cent of the proceeds contributing to the AFC’s fundraising goal.
After the first segment of the show, the announcement that Mirela was reducing the prices of the garments to $250-$300 delighted the fashion-forward audience. Loreta Stamo, a long time supporter and advocate, had her eye on a particular piece: a full-length black skirt inspired by the stylized xhubleta. Moments later, her young daughter, Fiona, was wearing it gracefully. Next to me, Agathia Luka, CFO Assistant, and Motrat Qiriazi member purchased a black silk robe adorned with intricate motives. Red jackets, white blazers, and dresses seemed to fly off the racks as guests tried them on and made their purchases. Meanwhile, Roberta, list in hand, carefully recorded each sale. The scene illustrated the difference AFC embodies: a commitment to accountability that Fotini highlighted in her remarks. “AFC’s transparency sets it apart, with everything, down to the cent, publicly posted on its website,” she said. Following Saturday’s event, AFC is expected to share an encouraging update about the initiative.
The New York City studio of legendary photographer and fellow humanitarian Fadil Berisha was transformed into a stylish fashion setting. Berisha is known for his collaborations with leading international models and designers. Musical performances by Roberta and Deshira Ahmeti Kerliu, Nora Noli, Dea Kerliu etc. were an integral part of the evening. As the event wound down, Fadil Berisha made a lively entrance alongside Shkurte Fejza, one of Kosova’s most celebrated Albanian folk singers. It was a fitting finale to an evening where fashion, music and humanitarian work shared the spotlight.