Hubballi  :

On Friday, the campus of the Government Polytechnic for Women wa s packed with models showcasing innovative and colourful themes. Themes like straw, peacock, mirror, flowers and Matsya Kanye (fish lady) attracted huge crowds.

However, most audiences were unaware that the designs were prepared by models themselves who are students of the Apparel Design and Fabrication Technology (ADFT). This show was not organised by a corporate company, but hosted by the Government Polytechnic for Women whose students are studying for a diploma in ADFT.

Polytechnic principal GM Goni said the college has girl students from poor or middle class families. “These girls sought permission to host a fashion show and since designing is part of their curriculum, we allowed it for the annual gathering,” he said.

Manjula Kadam, head of the ADFT department, said it’s a three-year course and it has been helpful for girls of middle or lower middle class families. “It’s generally assumed that fashion designing is for students of rich families. However, ADFT has enabled poor girls with a sense of fashion to do the course. Now, students have made us proud by showcasing designs stitched by themselves. It shows they have updated their knowledge on a par with industry requirement,” she said.

Kalyani L, who guided the students, said they used skills like hand embroidery and handicraft to prepare innovative themes. “In all, 23 girl students in the sixth semester prepared designs as part of their project. They started preparing eight days ago. As modeling is not prescribed in their syllabus, they practiced walking on the ramp and other actions required for the show,” she said. Shivaleela Hosamani and MS Bijapur, other faculty members of ADFT, said students were cautious while chosing themes for the show.

Annapurna Mysuru, who presented designs on the Straw theme, shared her friends’ used synthetic material. Krutika Bendigeri, who showcased the Peacock theme, said she wanted to chose a Nature-related theme. Rohini Devadas, who prepared and presented designs on the Mirror theme, said this show has given her confidence to continue in the garment industry.

Innovative designs
The students’ designs were very innovative. They ensured there was not even a hint of obscenity. When beauty is being commercialized, students proved it can be presented without compromising on the modesty of women. Young minds at work educated the audience about fashion, said writer Prajna Mattihalli .

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Hubli / Sangamesh Menasinakai / March 19th, 2016