An ode to swadeshi

India Runway Week, Season 12 kickstarted with the Jaivik Naari's handmade collection. Paying tribute to Gandhi ji and October month the collection was all about make in India.

The collection "Gulbadan" which means delicate, graceful but yet fierce as Babur's daughter Gulbadan. To justify the theme the brand had real women walking on ramp instead of models in hand made sarees.

Some women achievers like Dr Chinna Dua, Mamta Gupta, Pooja walked in tussar and linen sarees. Whereas, the veteran actress Neelima Azeem performed the opening act in classical dance.

Newgen designer Rasleen Kohli showcased collection "Eternal Nature" expresses an emotion of love for nature , which has been beautifully expressed in the garments through hand embroideries , silhouettes and draping .

Priyanka Choudhary. House of Archana, Vinay Saurabh, Jasleen Kaur and Aastha Kaushik were other young designers to showcase their collection in this segment.

Jasleen Kaur's collection was an ode to Indian streets. Using ethically sourced linen, working with underrepresented crafts groups, silhouettes that are tradionally associated with street wear.

The third show of day was of the upcoming designers Devi Muthukumar, Mona Vora and Tanushavy. Devi Muthukumar's collection "Chromic Bliss", which was an inspiration from the traditional mughal arts- bringing in the opulence & luxury elements.

Mona Vora, a London based designer showcased her elegant and feminine designs beautifully blended with contemporary silhouettes and subtle chic embroidery details.

Tanushavy's collection was about very delicate & intricate work, hand crafting processed products from those regional craftsmen, bringing their ancestors to today.

The evening was about designer Nikhita Tandon's evening gowns with modern cuts and floral headbands; the collection was accessorized by Ted Baker Watches and actress Vaani Kappor walked the ramp as a showstopper.

The day ended with an ode to handloom again by Peeli Kothi by Ambica and Saaj by Ankita. Peeli Kothi showcased richly textured sarees. The colors were vibrant and yet very classy.

DAY 2 of India Runway Week- Season 12 was about celebrating LGBTQIA by accessory designer Akassh K Aggarwal followed by Bollywood Diva Esha Gupta gracing the ramp for Aayana by Siimi.

The second day kicked off with the first ever Ethical Design Challenge where one winner was selected out of 8 young designers from all over India and the winner won the financial support for next season as well as bagged a sponsored show by IFFD. Sahiba Aggarwal won the Ethical Design Challenge 2019.

Then accessory designer Akassh K Aggarwal showcased a strong accessory line themed "Silent Stories", a collection of designer's expressions of LGBTQIA+ Community Existence and the struggle of acceptance. The collection resonates with the symbolism of old tribal art of Peroi and terrecota, banarsi meena work, wood karigari from Kashmir

The evening started with Aayana by Siimi's festive wear, finely crafted pieces with lucknowi work, thread work and Indian craftsmanship were seen. Collection which was pre bridal, bridal wear collection was presented. Bollywood Diva Esha Gupta closed the show for designer Siimi.

Young Budding Designers lined up for the day included Lumegee by priya ghosh's Vijaya Krishna, Delhi based designer Purnima Gulat and Rituvan Gupta, who created from couture to pret, clothing which is effortless.

The day ended with EKAM BY Manish Gupta and Poonam Dubey's, "Jharokha".

India Runway Week dedicated its DAY 3 of Season 12 to breast cancer awareness in collaboration with Avon. The entire event turned into pink with select city walk turning its lights into pink and India Runway Week into pink.

The day started with the breast cancer awareness panel discussion. Designer Anupama Dayal who showcased her pink collection for the cause with around 25 cancer survivors walked for her along with few other female entrepreneurs walked for her to support the cause.

In the afternoon, Deepthi Ganesh showcased her bridal couture collection titled 'Adah'. Ramnik Pahwa showcased her collection of pure Indian fabric, Jute.

Jenny Saluja, Miku Kumar and NB COUTURE were the other designers for the day. The beach resort wear mix collection by NB couture was a perfect blend of stylish gowns, jumpsuits and dresses.

The Grand Finale of the runway week was by designer Nida Mahmood. The collection was a delicate mix of handlooms, khadi and mercerised cottons with subtle polka dots and stripes, heady textures and a dash of embroidery teamed with delicate laces.

The collection was 100% swadeshi and epitomises the feisty quintessential Indian girl who is powerful and bold.