The event boosted confidence for aspiring young models and gave traditional Kashmiri winter wear a turn in the spotlight.
By Adil Akhzer
Srinagar: Famous Bollywood songs, traditional Kashmiri menswear, aspiring models and cheering crowds were all on full display at a rare fashion show in Srinagar on December 30th. Organisers credited the return of peace to Kashmir for enabling them to hold such programmes.
Sheikh Imran Bashir, managing director of Wilson & Royals, which organised the show together with Arachnid Studio, told Khabar South Asia that its aim is to bring the fashion industry to Kashmir.
"We want to give a message to Bollywood and the Indian fashion industry that Kashmir too has talent and there are many models who, given the right platform, can prove their calibre. Professionals from Mumbai who attended our show were extremely satisfied with the performances," Bashir said.
"We are providing platform to those youths, who are not financially well off and cannot go outside the state to show their talent. This is an opportunity for them to show their talent in front of their own people," he added.
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Many young people in Kashmir today are interested in a career in fashion, Bashir said. "My company has worked since 2009 to provide a platform to those youth. Everyday, my office sees young people who are serious in taking up modeling as their profession," he noted.
The fashion show, held on the lawns of Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, was also an occasion to boost local youth who have suffered due to the violence in the state.
"Models here are talented and handsome. They can compete with models from rest of the country and rest of the world, at any level," Bashir said.
"Further, not only did models get a rare chance to hone their skills, but it was also an occasion to promote our local Kashmiri tradition outfits."
About 30 young men modeled classic and modernised versions of the pheran, a traditional, knee-length winter cloak, created by Kashmiri designer Samil Ali. He studied in New Delhi and until recently worked there, according to Tribune News Service.
"I love Kashmiri tradition and everything that comes with it. I moved back to Kashmir to work here," Ali, 24, told The Tribune. "I intend to bring glamour to the tradition."
Shuaib Nazir, 19, a local youth who walked the ramp for the first time, told Khabar the event helped enhance his confidence. "I am very happy after this performance. I was very nervous, but thanks to the Almighty I rocked on the stage," he said.
Muzamil Nazeer, 22, a male model from Srinagar who participated in a fashion show held in Kashmir in 2009, told Khabar he got many assignments from the experience.
"Honestly speaking, I was worried about attaining my goals because we do not have support structure here, unlike other states. But thanks to Wilson & Royals, I participated in a fashion show for the first time in 2009, and I got many campaigns after that," Nazeer said.
"I am earning good money and I am happy in my profession. But more such opportunities are needed for the youth in Kashmir. All they need is a proper platform and guidance," he said.
Political analysts say such programmes and events are required to change the mindset of local youth who have experienced two decades of violence in Kashmir.
Showkat Ahmed, an assistant professor at Kashmir University, told Khabar such initiatives help youth stay away from adverse and anti-social activities.
"By participating in such activities, they remain mentally fit and stable. They have witnessed a lot of violence, now let them enjoy peace as well," Ahmed said.
(Courtesy: Khabar South Asia)
By Adil Akhzer
Srinagar: Famous Bollywood songs, traditional Kashmiri menswear, aspiring models and cheering crowds were all on full display at a rare fashion show in Srinagar on December 30th. Organisers credited the return of peace to Kashmir for enabling them to hold such programmes.
Sheikh Imran Bashir, managing director of Wilson & Royals, which organised the show together with Arachnid Studio, told Khabar South Asia that its aim is to bring the fashion industry to Kashmir.
"We want to give a message to Bollywood and the Indian fashion industry that Kashmir too has talent and there are many models who, given the right platform, can prove their calibre. Professionals from Mumbai who attended our show were extremely satisfied with the performances," Bashir said.
"We are providing platform to those youths, who are not financially well off and cannot go outside the state to show their talent. This is an opportunity for them to show their talent in front of their own people," he added.
The fashion show, held on the lawns of Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, was also an occasion to boost local youth who have suffered due to the violence in the state.
"Models here are talented and handsome. They can compete with models from rest of the country and rest of the world, at any level," Bashir said.
"Further, not only did models get a rare chance to hone their skills, but it was also an occasion to promote our local Kashmiri tradition outfits."
About 30 young men modeled classic and modernised versions of the pheran, a traditional, knee-length winter cloak, created by Kashmiri designer Samil Ali. He studied in New Delhi and until recently worked there, according to Tribune News Service.
"I love Kashmiri tradition and everything that comes with it. I moved back to Kashmir to work here," Ali, 24, told The Tribune. "I intend to bring glamour to the tradition."
Shuaib Nazir, 19, a local youth who walked the ramp for the first time, told Khabar the event helped enhance his confidence. "I am very happy after this performance. I was very nervous, but thanks to the Almighty I rocked on the stage," he said.
Muzamil Nazeer, 22, a male model from Srinagar who participated in a fashion show held in Kashmir in 2009, told Khabar he got many assignments from the experience.
"Honestly speaking, I was worried about attaining my goals because we do not have support structure here, unlike other states. But thanks to Wilson & Royals, I participated in a fashion show for the first time in 2009, and I got many campaigns after that," Nazeer said.
"I am earning good money and I am happy in my profession. But more such opportunities are needed for the youth in Kashmir. All they need is a proper platform and guidance," he said.
Political analysts say such programmes and events are required to change the mindset of local youth who have experienced two decades of violence in Kashmir.
Showkat Ahmed, an assistant professor at Kashmir University, told Khabar such initiatives help youth stay away from adverse and anti-social activities.
"By participating in such activities, they remain mentally fit and stable. They have witnessed a lot of violence, now let them enjoy peace as well," Ahmed said.
(Courtesy: Khabar South Asia)