Hansiba, 92, walk the ramp, for her label

She is 92 and her graceful gait when she walks on her farm carrying bundles of cotton on her head is like that of an experienced model. Now Hansiba - the oldest artisan associated with the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) -- is busy practicing her gentle step while preparing to walk the ramp to promote the apparel brand that has been named after her, Hansiba, in Delhi. 

For SEWA, Hansiba has turned out to be their best marketing trump card. She alone has become the face of its apparel brand that represents lakhs of rural artisans. Not only Hansiba but SEWA's fashion show, Ananta: The Flamboyant Stitch that is scheduled to be held in Delhi on March 27, will feature three Hansiba generations sauntering down the ramp. 

"Hansiba, her daughter Puriben and grand-daughter Hetal, will walk the ramp wearing designer clothes by our partner in the project, Graham Hollick, a French designer," said a SEWA source.
SEWA decided to take Ananta: the Flamboyant Stitch to Delhi after its success in Ahmedabad. Not only was the fashion show a success but apparel worth Rs 25 lakh was also sold at the programme. SEWA founder Ela Bhatt herself was the cynosure of all eyes at the show when  she walked the ramp dressed up in a white saree with petals in her palav. 

In Delhi, Sharmila Tagore will walk the ramp to promote Hansiba. Other fashion biggies are expected to attend the fashion parade.