Is the Relevance of Graduate Fashion Shows Still Up for Debate?
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India's fashion scene is bursting at the seams with groundbreaking designers like Gaurav Gupta and Rahul Mishra revamping global fashion, while up-and-coming talents like Nancy Tyagi snag international attention with homegrown flair. It's time to say goodbye to chasing the West's coattails and hello to our own distinct voice, right?
But one legacy question remains: what's the deal with graduation fashion shows? Do they still have a place in the industry? Or have they been relegated to outdated, pretentious theatrics in the era of easy visibility, DIY brands, and viral meltdowns?
Graduate Fashion Follies: Show or Tell?
With hyper-connectivity reigning supreme, it's reasonable to wonder if flashy runway shows are still the most effective way to cultivate raw talent. Some argue that these spectacles only benefit fashion institutions' rep. But that's not the whole story.
Take a gander at UNFOLD, the annual fashion exhibit at an independent design school in New Delhi. Last year, twenty-two designers showcased their collections, mobbing the event with industry heavyweights like FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi. Beyond the sequins and stomping down the runway, these shows have a noble purpose: giving budding talent a stage, a chance to connect with industry pros, and a shot at employment.
The Runway Ramble: Stories Unraveled
Unlike the star-studded front rows and viral stunts that dominate today's fashion landscape, UNFOLD focused on substance over style. Two standout collections encapsulate this approach brilliantly:
"Able and Adorned," by Palak Aggarwal, aimed to fill a gap in the market for apparel designed for differently-abled individuals. By prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and comfort, the collection brought the needs of a marginalized community to the forefront.
"Gharsa," by Naseeb Sihag, paid homage to his rural roots with garments steeped in symbolism. Mementos of farm machinery, traditional motifs, and earthy tones told tales of the quiet strength and resilience of his homeland.
No fancy frocks here – these were garments with heart, a reflection of the designers' deep connection to their stories.
Glass Slippers or Reality Check?
"Graduate fashion shows still carry immense value," insists Prof. Usha Nehru Patel, Dean-Academics at our design school. "For fashion schools, they shore up reputation and highlight the quality of education and resources offered. But more importantly, they provide students a golden ticket to present their work to industry bigwigs, employers, and the wider public."
But it's not just about glitz and glamour. The real magic happens in the stories spun by these young designers around their creations. By weaving thoughtful narratives, they build richer connections with the audience and the industry, setting themselves apart in the sea of sameness.
The Road Ahead
As India's fashion industry expands its global footprint, the relevance of these shows lies in their ability to give design a human touch in an increasingly impersonal world. It's about slowing things down, diving deep into reflection and grit, and crafting stories that resonate with the audience and the world we're creating for.
For today's fashion design students, the runway is not just a stage for clothes – it's a canvas for expressing fresh, daring ideas. And for any fashion school worth their salt, these shows should be more than mere spectacle; they ought to be spaces that echo the deeper values of a meaningful fashion design education: empathy, experimentation, and cultural awareness.
So, are graduate fashion shows dead? Hardly. They're evolving, baby, with more to say than ever before!
Fancy digging deeper into the design course scene?
- Check out our institution's fashion show here, featuring collections from stars like Naseeb Sihag and Sanskriti Maheshwari.
- Get the inside scoop on the shows from fashion industry expert Urvashi Kaur.
- Want to explore a fashion design college? Here are the top 10 fashion design colleges in India.
About The Author
Ridhima is a multifaceted content whiz who merges storytelling, design, and digital media. With years under her belt at design firms, media outlets, and academic institutions – including collaborations with IIT Delhi – she knows the ins and outs of design narratives. Her mission? To make those snazzy design stories heard, seen, and generally understood by non-experts. Go on, catch her accessible and engaging contributions in publications like India Design ID and World Architecture Community, or follow her commanding presence on Elle Décor India.
- Ridhima's latest article brings a fresh perspective to the fashion industry, discussing the impact of shows like UNFOLDS at independent design schools.
- Palak Aggarwal, a UNFOLDS participant, showcased her collection "Able and Adorned," designed for differently-abled individuals, demonstrating the potential of graduate fashion shows.
- Naseeb Sihag, another UNFOLDS alumnus, presented "Gharsa," a collection inspired by his rural roots, revealing the storytelling power of fashion design.
- According to Prof. Usha Nehru Patel, designer fashion shows offer students a valuable platform to present their work to industry professionals and the public.
- Design education programs should focus on a curriculum that nurtures empathy, experimentation, and cultural awareness in students.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts can explore top-tier design colleges in India and get insights from fashion industry experts by visiting various online resources like fashion school websites, expert blogs, and fashion education articles.
