Kranti and Mandeep Nagi at Lakme Fashion Week

Mumbai: The second day of Lakmé Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2017 was dedicated to conversations and experiences around sustainable fashion in India.

Among these was a show that had sustainable fashion and inclusivity crafted in the story and which had a strong and powerful message. Lakmé Fashion Week collaborated with Kranti – an NGO that empowers girls from Mumbai’s red light areas to be agents of social change (founded by Ms. Robin Chaurasiya, who has worked with US Air Force) and Mandeep Nagi of Shades of India - one of India’s leading textile labels who presented a unique presentation on 2nd February 2017 at LFW.

The vision behind this collaboration was to have inclusivity, diversity, gender equality and our handloom/textiles coming together, to create a powerful narrative.

The presentation was at the 6Degrees Studio - a space/hall dedicated to conceptual fashion narratives at LFW. The evening was graced by veteran actor, Shabana Azmi and Ashwini Bhave.

The core point of the presentation had the girls from Kranti celebrate who they are, speak from their heart and share their personal stories through an interactive performance with the audience.

One of the key objectives was to create an empowering experience for everybody in the room and challenge perceptions and norms/prejudices on beauty, dignity and gender that continue to plague our society, something that both Mandeep and Robin touch upon quite strongly through their individual efforts.

· Mandeep Nagi showcased Spring/Summer 2017 collection through the performance by Kranti girls. They told their stories while demonstrating their pride and independence in the clothes from Mandeep’s ‘Bagh Collection’. The colours evoke the warmth of spring, of early flowers in blossom. White, orchid tint, haze, almond, rose pink, are used with soft gold and silver metallic. Silhouettes are inspired by traditional kurtas and pajamas and by re-interpreting saris with a bohemian look.

· Mandeep Nagi, Design Director of Shades of India commented, "I won't call myself a fashion designer, my passion for textiles brings forth the style and confidence I wish to share and see in every woman. Therefore have always photographed them on women who may seem ordinary but are absolutely not. Association with Kranti at the most prestigious Lakme Fashion week has been the most enriching experience. I feel honoured to be a part of this. The joy and energy of these girls is infectious."

· Jaspreet Chandok, Head of Fashion, IMG Reliance commented, “The Lakme Fashion Week has really become a forum for having conversations beyond just fashion and we are happy to provide this platform to these brave and courageous women to tell their stories."