Budding fashionistas showcase their creativity on the ramp

Fashion is not all about glam. A lot of hard work, planning, and commitment goes behind the razzle and dazzle and Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar (ACFA) students are well-aware of it. The college is the home ground to many fashionistas that have groomed and chiseled its students to perfection.

To hone the skills of its students, ACFA recently organised its much-awaited fashion show – Lavanya 2023: Designers’ Extravaganza which turned out to be a roaring success. The aim was to provide a platform to design students of the college, enabling them to showcase their skills and give them out-of-the-box ideas a concrete shape.

The mega event was a gala affair of creative people, designers, and textile industry stalwarts. The august gathering was mesmerised by the creativity of the budding designers. The students walked the ramp with grace and confidence thereby doing justice to the designers’ creations. 

Dr. Shweta Shenoy Sandhu, head, Department of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University was the chief guest. Dr Neerja Dhingra, principal of ACFA was amazed by the creative streak in her students. She appreciated all for their efforts and went on to read a heartfelt message from Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Co-Promoter and President of Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, and Chancellor Apeejay Stya University.

The message elaborated on how the Apeejay Group has always stood for preserving and promoting art in all forms. Dr Dhingra emphasised how Lavanya 2023 is one of the many platforms through which ACFA gives a stepping stone to its budding designers and models, making them industry ready.

The evening was also graced by Dr Sucharita Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, Dr Renu Batra, and Dr Mithilesh Singh from the Apeejay Education Group. Dr Dhingra welcomed the judges for the show, Jagdeep ‘Shaukeen’, Design Head at Reliance Retail Company, Smita Sharma, Design Head at Lifestyle International Pvt Ltd, and Ayushi Jain, ACFA alumnus who recently won the title of Mrs. India!

However, it was Fukrey movie star and ACFA alumnus Varun Sharma who became the highlight of the evening as he graced the occasion with his presence. Sharma interacted with the gathering and spoke about his journey from Jalandhar to Mumbai giving many valuable life lessons.

He thanked ACFA for helping him identify his talents and giving him wings to fly. He reminisced how the college instilled in him the confidence to explore his talent and chase his dreams. Ayushi Jain in particular mentioned, “ACFA once gave me a stage to walk on. It was during the Lavanya fashion event itself. It was that experience which helped me win the crown and covetous title of Mrs India. I am grateful to my college.”

The fashion show had nine rounds and began with Maazi Chaap which showcased various colours of Indian culture and the purity of Vedic hymns. Next was April Showers which had a fashion collection inspired by the delicacy of tulip flowers and the colours of nature.  Wonder Bunnies presented the collection for the toddlers. The clothing was designed to add a spark of confidence to the munchkins.

Zonaira was a collection inspired by the traditional Indian handloom textiles followed by Monarch Butterflies which showcased the exotic outfits inspired by the ancient temples of the South. This was followed by Nightflix, which took casual and comfortable wear during the lockdown as its muse. Manhattan Mystics symbolised a collection that spelled out the magic of monochromes while Scarlet Eve constituted a collection that expressed the spirit of love and affection through beautiful shades of red. The final round, Malang, showcased a collection for the bold and confident.

 Khushi, Akshita Jain, and Manpreet Kaur won the title of best designers for April Showers. Jaimine Mani, Ritika Khanna, and Aastha Aneja won the title for the most innovative round for Maazi Chaap. Mohit and Aarushi were selected as the best models.

Avneet Kaur, Prabhnoor, and Rishiba Jain were the runners-up in the Best Designer category for their work in Monarch Butterflies. Kavya Singla, Ritiksha, and Arushi Saxena were declared the runners-up in the Best Innovative Round for their designs in Malang.

The event concluded on a note of promise, success, and colours.