The fashion industry was one of the outlets affected the worst by the blast that shook the Port of Beirut on August 4, with several newly emerging designers suffering damage to their boutiques, ateliers, and showrooms.

Amongst some of the most prominent names in Lebanese fashion, Zuhair Murad's atelier was also greatly affected by the impact of the explosion. The designer lost his headquarters, as well as 80% of his archives and all of his upcoming collections in the blast.

In the wake of the blast, as designers have come up with creative ways to work actively to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts in Beirut, Murad recently launched an initiative that focuses on raising funds for Offreije, a Lebanese NGO. All proceeds from Murad's 'Rise From the Ashes' t-shirts, which will be going towards the NGO's relief efforts.

“These past two weeks have been devastating as I have seen the city of Beirut, my beloved city, hurt in its soul and endure so much destruction," Zuhair Murad says. "In these difficult times, the only way for me to move forward is by helping in any way that I can, so I have launched a fundraising T-Shirt campaign with my dear friend Maya Labban in which the proceeds will be donated to Offrejoie, a non-governmental humanitarian organization founded during the civil war in Lebanon in 1985, and providing help to people affected by the blast that hit Beirut on August 4."

Murad's initiative has garnered support from several members of the fashion industry and beyond, celebs such as Alessandra Ambrosio and Mohamed Hadid.