In a surprising turn of events, a fashion show staged by children living in a slum in Lucknow has taken India by storm. The video that emerged features a cohort of underprivileged schoolchildren, primarily girls aged 12 to 17, modeling exquisite red and gold outfits crafted from recycled clothing. The children not only designed and tailored their own outfits but also showcased them against the backdrop of their slum, with the creative direction coming from a 15-year-old boy who filmed and edited the entire project.
This inspiring initiative, titled "Yeh laal rang" or "the color red," stemmed from the children's admiration for renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The girls, who are beneficiaries of the NGO Innovation for Change that offers food, education, and vocational training to impoverished children, meticulously selected accessories inspired by Mukherjee's fashion tutorials on social media.
One of the models, 16-year-old Mehak Kannojia, shared that the project emerged as they pooled their resources to create something significant, telling BBC, "We often duplicate outfits worn by Bollywood actresses and wanted to do something special this time." Over three to four intensive days, the aspiring designers stitched approximately a dozen outfits, fully engrossed in the creative process.
The captivating video gained momentum after being shared on the NGO's Instagram account, and fame skyrocketed when Sabyasachi himself reposted it, praising their work. The buzz around the video led to extensive media coverage, including visits from TV channels and opportunities for the children to appear on popular FM radio broadcasts. Bollywood actress Tamannah Bhatia even visited them to present a scarf, much to the delight of the young creators.
While the project has garnered widespread admiration, it has also sparked discussions regarding the portrayal of young girls as brides, raising concerns about the potential risks of child marriage in India. Innovation for Change responded to these apprehensions by affirming their commitment to fighting against child marriage, stating that the objective of the initiative was to empower and inspire the children involved.
As the young models bask in their newfound fame, Mehak revealed that meeting their fashion idol, Sabyasachi, is their ultimate aspiration. "It feels like a dream come true," she expressed, as the response to their work continues to uplift and inspire their community.
This inspiring initiative, titled "Yeh laal rang" or "the color red," stemmed from the children's admiration for renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The girls, who are beneficiaries of the NGO Innovation for Change that offers food, education, and vocational training to impoverished children, meticulously selected accessories inspired by Mukherjee's fashion tutorials on social media.
One of the models, 16-year-old Mehak Kannojia, shared that the project emerged as they pooled their resources to create something significant, telling BBC, "We often duplicate outfits worn by Bollywood actresses and wanted to do something special this time." Over three to four intensive days, the aspiring designers stitched approximately a dozen outfits, fully engrossed in the creative process.
The captivating video gained momentum after being shared on the NGO's Instagram account, and fame skyrocketed when Sabyasachi himself reposted it, praising their work. The buzz around the video led to extensive media coverage, including visits from TV channels and opportunities for the children to appear on popular FM radio broadcasts. Bollywood actress Tamannah Bhatia even visited them to present a scarf, much to the delight of the young creators.
While the project has garnered widespread admiration, it has also sparked discussions regarding the portrayal of young girls as brides, raising concerns about the potential risks of child marriage in India. Innovation for Change responded to these apprehensions by affirming their commitment to fighting against child marriage, stating that the objective of the initiative was to empower and inspire the children involved.
As the young models bask in their newfound fame, Mehak revealed that meeting their fashion idol, Sabyasachi, is their ultimate aspiration. "It feels like a dream come true," she expressed, as the response to their work continues to uplift and inspire their community.
