Alia Aljunied and Khaula Malik.
Photo: Haseeb Amin“It’s an amazing community of women across so many industries—the power is in building this community, leaning on each other, giving back,” said Samina Virk, CEO and CMO of Vestiaire Collective. “It’s quite humbling to be a part of this group, and I’m excited to see what comes of this.”
Hearts were heavy with traumatic events unfolding in Iran, Palestine, Sudan, and the Gulf weighing on guests’ minds, but with so many people feeling isolated watching the headlines, the focus was on supporting each other. “It’s a heavy time right now, we can all feel it,” said Irshad. “We have to come together and use our collective power and influence to change the narrative.” And as we chatted over platters of rigatoni and grilled salmon, strangers quickly became friends. By the time dessert rolled around—a cloudlike date cake with hints of orange blossom and cardamom—collaborative sparks were flying.
