Pune: First ever fashion runway in a moving metro; women achievers walk the ramp in Indian ethnic attire

Pune: For the first time ever, a fashion show was organised on a moving metro train in Pune. The city witnessed history in the making as women achievers walked the ramp to celebrate and showcase the Indian ethnic attires created by underprivileged women.

On August 6, Saturday, the 6.30 Pune Metro from Vanaz to Garware College saw nine women achievers walked the runway to display beautifully crafted, hand embroidered pieces in heritage Indian art forms.

The theme of the fashion show by designer Kavya Krishna was 'Navrang' (nine colours) and it had nine women in nine colours wearing ethnic clothes in indigenous fabrics like cotton, silk, mulmul, organza, chiffon, georgette, and crepe.

The cloth designs were made from heritage Indian art forms/designs works passed through generations from mother to daughters like shadow work, moti work, gotta pati, Karachi work, abla work, crochet, or embroidery and Lucknowi Chikankari.

The grooming staff for models as well as the models included women from age 11 to 51 years from different areas like advocates, professionals from technology, hospitality, finance, homemakers, and even a para Olympian.

They included Sanika Vaidya, Aujashwi Kondhare, Manisha Jakhotia, Sharvari Sadolikar, Jyothi Kamble, Seema Vichare, Maria Joanna, Shweta Ukande, Turnisha Chakraborty, Siri Shetty, Anjali Sinha, Sonal Pawar, Anagha Gawade and Priyanka Awale.

Dr Kishor Navandar, Chief Managing Director, Blue Billion Group and Maha Metro, Pune, collaborated with the designer to organise the event for city commuters.

Dr Navandar introduced designer and co-founder, Kavya Krishna, Mrs Archana Shukla, as a powerhouse of talent and said, "Kavya Krishna gives us the privilege of upskilling under-privileged young women and ensuring that they are equipped to stand on their own feet. The brand is a labour of love and true grit these women pour into it."

T Manoj Kumar, DGM, MMI and TP, MahaMetro, Pune, extended his support and pushed for the use of the metro for activities that build community and causes. Sharvari Gavande Co-themed and coordinated the show.

Amongst those supporting the cause were author and Guinness world record holder Dr Tilak Tanwar, All India Radio RJ and editor Arti Malhotra, and Augustin Dalbhanjan, Director, UBS Business Solution (India) Pvt Ltd, among others.

A slew of engaging events to boost the reach of this brand to include more women and girls from underprivileged socio-economically backward groups with skilling and a means of employment has been planned.

Dr. Navandar said, "The need of the hour is to enable economic independence at grass root levels and ensure employability for women in all walks of life. Buying a single garment created by these women will ensure our country's social fabric remains strong. We should be conscious of losing out on our traditional art forms and indigenous Indian heritage ethnic wear to westernisation. I appreciate and advocate handloom and handcrafting. Be vocal for local."