A video of a unique fashion shoot in India has gone viral, transforming a group of underprivileged schoolgirls into local celebrities. The clip showcases the girls, aged 12 to 17, modeling red and gold outfits crafted from donated clothes, with the gritty surroundings of a slum serving as the backdrop. The entire project was conceptualized, designed, and executed by the teenagers, with a 15-year-old boy capturing and editing the footage.
Inspired by Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s Designs
The girls, students at Innovation for Change, a Lucknow-based NGO, drew inspiration from the work of renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The NGO, which supports around 400 children with free food, education, and vocational training, shared the video on Instagram, where it quickly garnered attention.
Sixteen-year-old Mehak Kannojia, one of the participants, explained that the project, named Yeh Laal Rang (The Color Red), was inspired by Mukherjee’s bridal collections. “We sorted through donated clothes, selected red items, and collaboratively stitched about a dozen outfits in three to four days,” she said.
Attention to Detail
The teenagers meticulously studied Mukherjee’s campaigns, emulating the models’ styling and runway moves. “Some of us wore sunglasses, one drank from a sipper, and another carried a bundle of cloth, just like Sabyasachi’s models,” Mehak shared, adding that some elements emerged naturally, like a spontaneous burst of laughter captured during the shoot.
Viral Success
The video struck a chord on social media, especially after Mukherjee himself shared it on Instagram, adding a heart emoji. Praises poured in, with viewers lauding the professionalism and creativity of the project. The newfound fame has brought immense visibility to the NGO, attracting media coverage, radio interviews, and even a visit from Bollywood actress Tamannaah Bhatia.
Mehak described the experience as surreal: “My parents are overjoyed, and my friends are sharing the video, saying, ‘You’ve become famous.’ Now, we just dream of meeting Sabyasachi.”
Addressing Criticism
Despite the overwhelming support, some raised concerns about the imagery of young girls dressed as brides in a country grappling with child marriage. Responding to this, the NGO clarified on Instagram that their intention was to empower the girls by showcasing their skills and resilience against societal restrictions, not to promote child marriage.
The project stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and collaboration, earning widespread admiration while highlighting the potential of underprivileged youth.
