The unique initiative not only showcases creativity but also ignites discussions about child marriage in India, as local celebrities emerge from unexpected beginnings.
A Viral Fashion Show by Slum Kids Sparks Debate and Aspiration
A Viral Fashion Show by Slum Kids Sparks Debate and Aspiration
A community-driven fashion project led by underprivileged school children in Lucknow gains national attention and raises socio-cultural questions.
The fashion show organized by children living in a Lucknow slum has taken India by storm, as the video showcasing their creativity has gone viral, turning them into instant local stars. Featuring a group of underprivileged school children, primarily young girls aged 12 to 17, the footage captures their journey of designing and modeling outfits made from discarded clothes. The backdrop of their ramp walk is both humble and inspiring, composed of the worn walls and rooftops of their community. Notably, the video was conceptualized and filmed by a 15-year-old boy.
The project, stemming from the efforts of a local NGO, Innovation for Change, highlights the incredible talent and resilience of around 400 children supported by the organization through education, free meals, and vocational teachings. One of the models, 16-year-old Mehak Kannojia, revealed they drew inspiration from Bollywood fashion icons, replicating their styles for fun but now striving to work collaboratively.
The initiative is aptly named Yeh laal rang (the color red), and it highlights pieces that are reminiscent of renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's celebrated bridal collection. The girls sifted through donations of clothing, carefully selecting red items, and over intense three-to-four days stitched together a dozen exquisite outfits with enthusiasm and creativity. They built their model walks by examining the movements in Sabyasachi’s fashion shows, giving their performance an authentic flair.
After Mukherjee himself shared the video on his own Instagram, it rapidly garnered immense popularity nationwide, suggesting their work deserved accolades equal to those of professional designers. Increased media engagement followed, including visits from television shows, radio hosts interviewing the children, and a special visit from noted Bollywood actress Tamannah Bhatia.
While the response from the public has largely been positive, some critics have raised concerns that the portrayals of young girls in wedding attire could inadvertently normalize the practice of child marriage, which remains a significant concern in India. The NGO addressed these criticisms, asserting that their aim was to empower the children and encourage them to challenge oppressive societal norms.
As Mehak reflects on their newfound fame, she expresses an overwhelming sense of achievement and optimism while mentioning the collective dream of meeting Sabyasachi. This bold and ambitious project not only spotlights creativity amidst adversity but also serves as a reminder of pervasive social issues, ultimately prompting a reflective dialogue on the evolution of societal beliefs in India.
The project, stemming from the efforts of a local NGO, Innovation for Change, highlights the incredible talent and resilience of around 400 children supported by the organization through education, free meals, and vocational teachings. One of the models, 16-year-old Mehak Kannojia, revealed they drew inspiration from Bollywood fashion icons, replicating their styles for fun but now striving to work collaboratively.
The initiative is aptly named Yeh laal rang (the color red), and it highlights pieces that are reminiscent of renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's celebrated bridal collection. The girls sifted through donations of clothing, carefully selecting red items, and over intense three-to-four days stitched together a dozen exquisite outfits with enthusiasm and creativity. They built their model walks by examining the movements in Sabyasachi’s fashion shows, giving their performance an authentic flair.
After Mukherjee himself shared the video on his own Instagram, it rapidly garnered immense popularity nationwide, suggesting their work deserved accolades equal to those of professional designers. Increased media engagement followed, including visits from television shows, radio hosts interviewing the children, and a special visit from noted Bollywood actress Tamannah Bhatia.
While the response from the public has largely been positive, some critics have raised concerns that the portrayals of young girls in wedding attire could inadvertently normalize the practice of child marriage, which remains a significant concern in India. The NGO addressed these criticisms, asserting that their aim was to empower the children and encourage them to challenge oppressive societal norms.
As Mehak reflects on their newfound fame, she expresses an overwhelming sense of achievement and optimism while mentioning the collective dream of meeting Sabyasachi. This bold and ambitious project not only spotlights creativity amidst adversity but also serves as a reminder of pervasive social issues, ultimately prompting a reflective dialogue on the evolution of societal beliefs in India.
