The Government Polytechnic for Girls Ahmedabad, on Tuesday, organised a fashion show in which 12 physically challenged girls and senior citizens participated. The show, called 'Samanvay, fashion for inclusive society', an initiative by the college's Computer-Aided Costume Designing and Dress Making department, attempted to change the concept of restricting fashion shows to models.
Ushma Anerao, principal, said, "It's high time we change our perception and the definition of fashion. The idea is that fashion is for an inclusive society. Why do fashion shows always have skinny models? This is the reason we want to celebrate the concept of 'fashion for all' and costumes designed by our students will be worn by girls who are physically challenged. Not just them, there will be senior citizens as well. Although we had introduced this concept last year, it was a show only for in-house people. This year, we have invited people from the industry."
Talking about the idea behind her design, 23-year-old Bhavini Chauhan said: "I have created low-cost garments with rough, grey material generally used to make mattresses. The idea was to cater to the middle class. Fashion should not always be expensive."
Sarojben Parmar, who teaches at the Blind People's Association, trained these girls to walk the ramp. She said, "It was extremely challenging to convince them and their families for a fashion show and equally challenging to train them. But if fashion designers use their shows as a medium, it will motivate them a lot."
For 20-year-old Ishita Savalia, who aspires to become a fashion designer, the cause was very important. She said: "I have made a gown, a skirt and a crop top using khadi. I really liked the concept of contributing towards a cause and spreading awareness through our garments."
WALK FOR A CAUSE
- The show attempted to change the concept of restricting fashion shows to models.
- Sarojben Parmar, who teaches at the Blind People’s Association, trained these girls to walk the ramp
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