Urdu poet and social justice activist, Kaifi Azmi, created the Mijwan Welfare Society in rural Utter Pradesh, India. His belief in gender equality and social justice was powerfully reflected in his in work and desire to ensure girls had the same opportunities as boys.
He began his tireless struggle towards economic independence for the women of Mijwan and neighboring villages in Uttar Pradesh. An inter-girls school was first formed, and eventually a computer learning center and a sewing and embroidery center was established.
In 1994, Kaifi Azmi Embroidery and Sewing centre was set up on land donated by him. This Centre began in a small two room building with one sewing teacher, Rampher from the village. Kaifi lobbied with Runa Banerjee of SEWA Lucknow to send trainers to Mijwan to teach the craft of chikankari, a Lucknow style of embroidery introduced by Nur Jehan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir.
In 2012, fashion designer Manish Malhotra adopted the school. Soon, parts of his lenghas and saris and other outfits were made at the sewing center. At the fashion show last night in Mumba, Mijwan – The Legacy, the MWS girls created the outfits’ chikankari. It took nine months to complete the collection.
We have to say this is one of the most refreshing spring inspired color palettes of fashion we’ve seen in a long time. While Manish Malhotra’s Lakme collection featured mostly yellows, blues, and purples, this collection features all the colors mixing pastel sweetness and bold statements.
Sequins, everyone’s best friend except for the 1980s, made several appearances in such beautiful ways, you’ll want your whole wardrobe draped in them.
An NGO fashion show wouldn’t be complete without the patronage of the largest Bollywood families.
Amitabh Bachchan lead the lead the show with his ever charming wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda & son Abhishek Bachchan.
They were joined by Shatrughna Sinha and his daughter Sonakshi.
Anil Kapoor walked with his daughter, fashion trendsetter Sonam.
And Jawed Akhtar walked with his son Farhan.
Here are some of our favorite lenghas and saris from the collection. They are lovely for the whimsical, happy bride who wants that dash of color with the glitter of sequins.
Be sure to click on the View gallery to see all the prettiness!
