Acid attack survivor Patricia Lefranc has taken the lead in a ground-breaking awareness campaign, a potent attempt to highlight the sometimes-overlooked aftermath of these attacks. Under the project "Tear Couture," famous British photographer Rankin features Lefranc in a captivating fashion lookbook. 

From Pain to Empowerment

Belgian Native Lefranc experienced a dramatic change in her life in 2009 after she was attacked with acid by her ex-partner. Lefranc's assailant received a 30-year prison term.

Now, at 59 years old, Lefranc is courageously sharing her journey through the lens of Rankin's camera. The lookbook captures moments of resilience, depicting her strength and acceptance in adversity.

Lefranc expressed that these images, showcasing her before and after the attack, now evoke strength and self-acceptance. She candidly acknowledged the challenges of living with the visible scars, stating, 'It's me. I've learned to live with this ugliness.'

Aside from the lookbook, Lefranc wrote a book detailing her experience, entitled "Vitriolée!." Lefranc also partnered and wished to continue collaborating with Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTi) to raise awareness and support for acid attack survivors.

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Tear Couture: Beyond Fashion

The "Tear Couture" campaign is a collaboration between Rankin and the charity ASTi. It serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the impact of acid violence, particularly in industries like fashion and textiles. Jaf Shah, the Executive Director of ASTi, underscored the correlation between regions with significant fashion industries and higher instances of acid attacks.

This unique fashion lookbook is not merely a collection of photographs but a call to action. With a specific aim at senior executives in the fashion industry, the campaign encourages companies to take concrete steps. Shah emphasizes the necessity for implementing stricter controls on corrosive substances that are tragically used as weapons, often against women. 

Global Awareness: The Magnitude of Acid Attacks

Shah unveils a sobering statistic: roughly 10,000 acid attacks occur globally each year. Yet, the true extent of this issue remains obscure due to underreporting. Shah highlighted the lack of specific laws against acid attacks in many countries, making it challenging to grasp the full scope of the problem.

Data provided by police officers in 2022 revealed acid attacks in England and Wales surged by 69%. The data gathered by ASTi from police forces showed that 710 violent acid attacks were recorded in 2022, a significant increase from the previous year's count of 421. It is particularly alarming that more women than men have been affected by these attacks.

Lefranc's ordeal shared through "Tear Couture" serves as a poignant reminder of the real and devastating consequences of acid violence. Despite enduring a prolonged coma and undergoing over 100 surgeries, Lefranc remains a symbol of resilience, declaring, 'If you're still alive, it's for a reason. There must be a reason.'

The "Tear Couture" campaign is a visual narrative and a call for societal change. It urges the fashion industry and the broader public to confront the issue of acid violence, fostering awareness, compassion, and collective action to prevent future attacks. Lefranc's bravery shines through, inspiring a transformative shift in perceptions and a united commitment to stand against the horrors of acid attacks.

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