After acid attack survivor Reshma Qureshi walked the ramp at the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) last week, another survivor, Laxmi, hit the runway at the British Asian Trust charity fashion show on Monday, ahead of the London Fashion Week.
Laxmi, who is also a social activist and campaigner with the organisation Stop Acid Attacks (SAA), walked the ramp in outfits by designer Raishma with an acid attack survivor from the UK, Adele Bellis.
The duo took part in the event to raise awareness about violence against women, The Times of India reported.
"When I was asked to say something on the ramp, I asked people, 'Is beauty defined just by how you look?' I don't think so. Beauty is what you are within. That is one message that I wanted to share with everyone,” Laxmi told TOI.
“Years ago, someone destroyed my face, thinking that my life will be ruined, as in our society, it is important for a girl to be pretty. I decided to break the notion and move on and do things that I would have done," she added.
Laxmi was in London with her partner Alok Dixit and daughter Pihu. The couple became proud parents last year in March.
Laxmi SAA/Facebook
Laxmi was 16 years old when she was attacked with acid by a man who was twice her age, because she had rejected his advances and turned down his proposal for marriage.
In 2014, she received the International Women of Courage Award from US First Lady Michelle Obama. Earlier this year, she became the brand ambassador of clothing brand Viva N Diva.
Last Thursday, Reshma Qureshi, a 19-year-old acid attack survivor and the face of the #EndAcidSale movement, walked the ramp at the NYFW.
Reshma at the NYFW
Reshma donned an Archana Kochhar floor-length gown as she walked the runway on the first day of the Week and called it a life-changing experience.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NYFW, Reshma had told AFP, "I want to tell the world — do not see us in a weak light and see that even we can go out and do things."