There are moments in life that feel full circle. This was one of them.
Recently, we had the privilege of donating a selection of Khanum's dresses to the Year 11 students at Mulberry School for Girls, alongside gifting hair and makeup experiences to help them celebrate one of the biggest milestones of their school years: prom.
Receiving a heartfelt letter from my former school afterwards was incredibly emotional. Not because of the recognition, but because it reminded me exactly where this journey began.
From Mulberry Student to Founder
Many people know Khanum's today, but not everyone knows where my story started.
I grew up in East London and attended Mulberry School for Girls. It was here that I learned resilience, ambition and the belief that young women deserve to dream big, regardless of where they come from.
The Dress I'll Never Forget
Prom has become synonymous with finding the perfect dress, but my own experience looked very different. My mum made my prom dress.
We couldn't simply go out and buy an expensive designer gown, so she created one with her own hands. Looking back now, I realise it wasn't about having the most expensive dress in the room. It was about the love, care and pride stitched into every seam. That memory has stayed with me ever since.
Perhaps that's why this initiative meant so much. I know firsthand how important it is to feel confident, included and celebrated during moments like these.
Fashion Is More Than Clothes
At Khanum's, we've always believed fashion has the power to transform how a woman feels.
A dress can't change who you are, but it can change how you walk into a room. It can give you confidence, make you feel seen and create memories you'll carry forever.For many of these young women, prom marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. If a Khanum's dress helps them feel even a little more confident as they step into that next chapter, then we've achieved something far bigger than fashion.
Why Giving Back Matters
As a business grows, it's easy to focus only on collections, campaigns and the next launch.
But success should also mean reaching back and helping those coming after you.
Being able to return to the school that helped shape me and support the next generation of Mulberry girls is something I'll always be proud of.
Their dreams deserve to feel just as possible as mine once did.
A Thank You
To Mulberry School for Girls, thank you for allowing us to be a small part of such a special milestone. Your letter means more than you know.
And to the Year 11 girls, wear your dresses with confidence. Celebrate yourselves. Dream without limits.
You never know where life might take you.
One day, you might find yourself walking back through those same school gates, inspiring the next generation too. 🤍
