Under the direction of designers Dr. Kappil Kishor and Sonia Jetleey, the women of Usha Silai School showcased their works at the 7th edition of the India Style Fashion Week (ISFW) in Delhi NCR, which has as its theme “Festivals of India.” Ten carefully chosen women from Usha Silai Schools created and fitted clothing to honour the colourful essence of Indian festivals.
These carefully chosen ensembles, which were inspired by Indian festivities, demonstrated a fusion of contemporary and tradition. At every stage of the process, from garment sketches to fittings, design thinking, fabric selection, silhouettes, colours, and textures, the designers and artisans collaborated and shared knowledge. Many of these ensembles were created using leftover fabric and upcycled sarees.
Each of the 10 female artisans selected hailed from rural areas across the country from regions like UP, Nagaland, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, North Bengal and Himachal Pradesh.
“Watching these women from far-flung villages shine on the India Style Fashion Week runway is a testament to collaborative platforms and the power of mentorship,” stated Mary Rupa Tete, Vice-President, Usha Social Services, Usha International.
“The stunning designs displayed by these talented women are a testament to their skills and Usha Silai School’s commitment to empowering rural women,” stated Kaushik Ghosh, CEO & Director of the India Style Fashion Week. “At the local level, Usha Silai School is a potent force for revolutionary change, inspiring rural women to overcome historical constraints.”