This Sussex boutique is selling clothing from iconic women to raise funds for refugees  

Sussex boutique STIL Lifestyle is once again giving fashion lovers all over the world the opportunity to purchase pieces from a pre-owned collection from some of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors. This special collection features one-of-a-kind gowns and other special items that have been generously donated by UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett, Viola Davis, Sienna Miller, Susie Cave, Jessica Chastain, Helen Mirren, Rebel Wilson and Amanda Seyfried. We spoke to Sulaika about the power of fashion for good, why it’s important to support refugees and how this online sale will be even bigger than her first.  

Q: Can you tell us about this auction?  

A: Following on from the success of the last charity sale we held for UNHCR in 2020, it seemed organic to hold another. This time we have received donations from not just one but eight of some of the world’s most inspiring and iconic women. At STIL, we have, for some years now, held pre-owned clothing sales quarterly, so we have a passion for ensuring that clothing bought from us enjoys a full life. If we can combine this with raising funds for charity it’s a ‘win win’ situation. 

A pre-owned dress donated by Susie Cave.

Q: Why do you think it’s important we support refugees now through initiatives like this one?   

A: STIL Lifestyle as a business platform is also a way for us to help others by connecting fashion and charity. Without the generosity of the women who donated this would not be possible. With the donations and my time, we can turn exquisite clothing into much needed funds. The displacement of people is a crisis that is ever-growing. With this growth of those in need coupled with the economic downturn, raising funds is now more important than ever.  

Q: What’s your connection to UNHCR, helping people forced to flee and the cause in general?  

A: Two years ago, I did an interview with UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett on sustainability in fashion. Following this, she generously donated a collection of clothing from her personal archive and that collection enabled us to do the first online sale. Being that Cate is a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador it was natural that the proceeds went to UK for UNHCR.  

Neither of these online sales would have been possible without her generosity. What is lovely with this form of sale is that not only does it raise much needed funds, but it ensures that the clothes are re-worn and it gives women all over the world a chance to own a piece of clothing from a favourite global icon whilst helping others. The way to thank those who have donated for their generosity is to raise as much as possible for UK for UNHCR. 

Q: Can you tell us how this auction will be different (and bigger!) from the last one you generously hosted?  

A: It is different of course as with this sale, so many extraordinary women have donated instead of one (what a one!). So, it invites a wider audience whilst offering an opportunity for the fans of these iconic women to own a cherished item whilst supporting the charity.  

Q: Last, but certainly not least, what’s your favourite item in the collection?  

A: Impossible to answer as they would all be a favourite depending on the occasion! Some of the items can be worn daily whilst others are so special, they will become heirlooms to pass down generations. 

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For more information on STIL Lifestyle and to check out the online sale, visit their website.