10 Usha Silai School women, mentored by two designers from Delhi NCR, dazzled the attendees with their stunning, festive ensembles
Upcycling played a big role in the overarching Festivals of India themed Usha Silai Women collection
The 7th edition of the Usha International sponsored India Style Fashion Week (ISFW) themed ‘Festivals of India’ in Delhi NCR witnessed the designs created by the Usha Silai School women under the expert guidance of designers Dr. Kappil Kishor and Sonia Jetleey. Ten select women from Usha Sila Schools designed and tailored exquisite garments that celebrated the vibrant spirit of Indian festivals that had the audience enthralled.
Inspired by the festivals of India, these specially curated ensembles showcased an eclectic blend of tradition and modernity. The collaboration between the designers and the talented artisans included mentoring and knowledge exchange at each step – from sketches of garments to the design process, including fittings, design thinking, fabric selection, silhouettes, hues, and textures, till the garment is show-ready. What’s really heartening is that many of these ensembles were upcycled sarees and leftover fabric.
Hailing from rural areas across the country, the 10 Usha Silai School women selected for this initiative included Alka (Rajpur, Uttar Pradesh), Anudeep Rani (Ambala, Punjab), Balamani (Jadcharla, Telangana), Bishakha Mohanta (Chechakhata, North Bengal), Gulab Jahan (Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh), Pranjali Nilesh Marathe (Vengurla, Maharashtra), Ranjana Devi (Harnota, Himachal Pradesh), Sangita Paswan (Bholardabri, North Bengal), Savita Thakur (Araria, Bihar) and Sukla Dey (Nahabari, Nagaland). Each one with a story of overcoming great odds and finding the empowerment that inspires and overwhelms.
Mary Rupa Tete, Vice-President, Usha Social Services, Usha International, said, “Seeing these women, hailing from remote villages, shine on the India Style Fashion Week runway, is a testament to collaborative platforms and the power of mentorship. This evolution from skilled artisans to designers has instilled a newfound confidence in them, empowering them to take their micro-enterprises to newer heights. Being witness to these life-altering journeys is what keeps us motivated to continue empowering women, discovering powerhouses of hidden talents, and preserving India’s rich heritage at the same time. The India Style Fashion Week offered the perfect platform to showcase their creativity, dedication, and journey to empowerment and entrepreneurship.”
Kaushik Ghosh, CEO & Director of the India Style Fashion Week, said, “Partnering with Usha Silai School has been an eye-opener for all of us – the stunning designs showcased by these talented women is a testament to their skills and Usha’s commitment to empowering rural women. Usha Silai School is a powerful force for transformative change at the grassroots level, encouraging rural women to break free from traditional limitations. It’s been one of our best decisions we’ve taken, and we commend Usha International for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving lives of entire families, and communities, by skilling these women.”
For more information on the same, please visit www.usha.com; www.ushasilaischool.com; www.ushasew.com; India Style Fashion Week
