The lobby of the Westin Southfield was dazzling as nearly 300 people attended Indian Fashion Week hosted by the Detroit Indian Women’s Association on Saturday night. Designed to empower working women and mothers, the event brought together enterprising fashion designers, hair and makeup artists, photographers and supporters. And many dressed spectacularly for the occasion in exciting, handcrafted Indian attire.
“Indian Fashion Week started during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Savita Monroe, founder and president of the Detroit Indian Women’s Association, adding that they “wanted to bring the creative world to the forefront when everything was at a standstill.”
Tickets for the event were $100 VIP and $25 general admission. VIP tickets included a cocktail with Indian food from Authentikka in Canton Township. VIP donors also received gift bags containing beautiful hand-embellished scarves from Sahar Creations and other items. India Fashion Week also raises awareness for sustainable fashion and jewelry to help fund DIWA’s cancer initiatives and its mission to raise awareness of autism.
At one point during the show, a young brother and sister, Aditya and Aarohi Patton, were recognized for their bravery and courage. She has Down syndrome. The audience roared as they strutted happily down the catwalk.
The beauty sponsor of India Fashion Week was Estée Lauder. Vendors participating in the fashion show included Bombay Boutique, Dabhi Brothers Garments LLC, JC Studio, Kundan Sets, Margi, Sahar Creations and Sakhi Boutique. Catwalk trends included bright colours, particularly yellow, red, pink, green and a dusty orange, embellished with hand-embroidered mirrors, beads and sequins.
One of the favorites was the youngest designer of the group, Margi Sutariya, whose collection, Margi, offers luxury contemporary Indian clothing. Her pink mesh buckle lehenga ($699) was a huge hit.
There were flowery sarees and hand-embroidered caftans, which were also trending on the catwalk. “They’re great for fun events or date nights,” adds Monroe. Dabhi Brothers Garments and Bombay Boutique also offered cool menswear options, including kurta pajamas with a hand-embroidered jacket and a heavy lucknowi vest with light green mirror work. There was also fashion for children.
Indian Fashion Week received a Special Tribute Award from the State of Michigan from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The next Indian Fashion Week will take place in the fall of 2022.
Chuck Bennett is a freelance writer and style ambassador for Fox 2 News.
Source: www.detroitnews.com