My First Iftar with SABIRAH
My First Iftar with SABIRAH. A Night of Reflection, Connection, and Inclusivity. Report By Sharon Lloyd
Top left: Deborah Latouche - table centre. Middle row FACE Member Nada Koreish far left . Bottom right: FACE Chair, Sharon Lloyd - left of image
As Chair of Fashion and the Arts Creating Equity (FACE), I am committed to championing spaces where inclusivity, representation, and cultural appreciation are not just discussed but actively lived. Earlier in the month, as International Women’s Day neared, I had the privilege of attending my first Iftar, (the name of the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during Ramadan) an experience that was deeply moving and grounding. Hosted by SABIRAH at The Landmark London, this interfaith gathering brought together women from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of allyship, connection, and understanding.
Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude, and community, and this evening extended those values beyond faith, creating a space where meaningful conversations could flourish. It was a reminder that inclusivity is about active participation—about showing up, not just as an observer, but as someone willing to listen, learn, and engage.
“This interfaith gathering brought together women from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of allyship, connection, and understanding.”
Why This Moment Mattered
At FACE, our work is rooted in the belief that equity in fashion, the arts, and education is not just about visibility—it is about structural change, cultural respect, and the amplification of underrepresented voices. Last night was a lived example of that mission.
To be invited into a space that honoured the traditions of Ramadan while welcoming those from outside the faith was a powerful demonstration of true inclusivity in action. The conversations in the room were thoughtful, intentional, and deeply resonant, highlighting the ways in which faith, fashion, and identity intersect.
“The conversations in the room were thoughtful, intentional, and deeply resonant, highlighting the ways in which faith, fashion, and identity intersect.”
This Iftar also came at a moment of celebration—five years of SABIRAH, a brand founded by Creative Director Deborah LaTouche, that has redefined what luxury means by centring modest fashion in a way that is both elegant and empowering. But beyond fashion, this gathering spoke to something even more significant: the need for continued dialogue, representation, and cultural exchange in creative industries.
Stills taken from Instagram @sabirahofficial filmed event here
It was also wonderful to be in attendance with my fellow FACE member Nada Koreish, whose presence and insight added to the richness of the evening’s discussions. Our shared commitment to advancing equity in creative spaces made this gathering even more meaningful.
“But beyond fashion, this gathering spoke to something even more significant: the need for continued dialogue, representation, and cultural exchange in creative industries.”
The Power of Gathering
One of the most striking aspects of the evening was the sense of solidarity and support among the women in the room. There was a collective understanding that moments like these—where we hold space for one another, honour different experiences, and foster deeper connections—are essential to building truly inclusive industries and communities.
Stills taken from Instagram @sabirahofficial filmed event here
For me, this event reinforced the importance of intentional inclusivity—not performative gestures, but real, meaningful engagement with the traditions and histories that shape our identities. It reminded me why FACE continues to push for diverse representation in creative education and industry leadership—because true equity is not just about making space, but about actively shifting narratives and structures.
Looking Ahead
As I left the evening, I carried with me not just a sense of gratitude, but also a renewed commitment to embedding these conversations into the work we do at FACE. Moments like these are not just symbolic; they are the foundation for long-term change, allyship, and understanding.
Thank you to Deborah LaTouche and the SABIRAH team for curating such a meaningful gathering. Here’s to more spaces that celebrate connection, culture, and inclusivity in real, impactful ways.