Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ram Naik, inaugurated the exhibition cum seminar on crafts held by Asma Hussain Institute of Fashion Technology (AIFT) on May 24, 2016 at Paryatan Bhavan, Lucknow. Shri Pravir Kumar, Agriculture Production Commissioner U.P., Fashion Designer Nida Mahmood, and actor Mohit Keswani were guests of honour.
Asma Hussain, founder of AIFT, in her introductory speech said Uttar Pradesh has a lot to offer in terms of heritage, culture, handicraft and cuisine. Quoting some facts, she mentioned about India’s share in textile export in 1947, which was 52% and that has now reduced to abysmal 2.8%. She emphasized the need to give a boost to textile and handloom industries in Uttar Pradesh to improve economic growth. The leading fashion designer of Lucknow also suggested ways to restore our long lost glory in handicraft and cottage industries.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor congratulated Asma Hussain for empowering women through her institute. Echoing PM Modi’s Skill India Mission, the governor said that AIFT has imparted skill and vocational training to underprivileged girls and increased their employability. In 2015-16, AIFT has trained 300+ underprivileged girls free of cost under “Seekho aur Kamao Programme” in various crafts such as chikan and zardozi. In the end, the Governor, amidst loud applause from the crowd, hailed Lucknow as the art and craft capital of India. He also unveiled the AIFT’s souvenirs and awarded prizes to the artisans in various categories.
The two-day exhibition cum seminar started with a fashion show by designers Anju Narayan and Deepika Chopra. The other competitions held on Day 1 were Fashion design competition, Hair and makeup competition and Kids Fashion show. The Day 2 included Modeling Competition, Singing Competition, Dance Competition and Campus Princess 2016 Miss Diva competition.
Singer-bureaucrat Hari Om, his singer wife Malvika Hari Om and Anis Ansari were the judges for the singing competition on day 2. Naila Anis Ansari opened the singing event by singing “Stitches” by John Mendes and playing Guitar. Simarnjeet Kaur won the singing competition.
The Judges for dance competition were Dr. Kumkum Dhar Kathak artiste ex VC Bhathkhande Music University and Mrs. Vandana Sehgal, Assistant Professor Art College.
Miss Diva 2016 was the most awaited event of the day. Judges for the contest were Ms Koyal Rana, Miss India World 2014 and Mr. Bennett Nathan, Project Head Campus Princess TOI. The winners Tanya Bhatnagar and Priyanka Bhardwaj will join the top 20 contestants in Miss Universe contest to be held in Mumbai.
The fashion festival concluded with a Grand Finale fashion show on May 30 in which Actor Soha Ali Khan was the show stopper. Ace models Jesse Randhawa, Alesia Raut, Nayanika Chatterjee, and Sonalika Sahay also walked the ramp.
AIFT Fashion Fest 2016 – Grand Finale
The Grand finale of AIFT Fashion Festival 2016 was a glitzy affair with actor Soha Ali Khan Pataudi walking down the ramp as show stopper. She donned a beautiful pink ensemble designed by Asma Hussain. The theme of the fashion show was Istanbul, so the stage was decked up like a Turkish palace in turquoise, royal blue and gold colors.
The show opened with a dazzling dance performance by Amira Hussain, Naila Ansari and team. Recently crowned Miss India (2nd Runner-up) Pankhuri Gidwani walked the ramp in a flowing silhouette showcasing the Iznik art of Istanbul. Supermodels Alesia Raut, Jesse Randhawa, Nayanika Chatterjee, Sonalika Sahay along with other Russian as well as Latin models sashayed down the ramp sporting creations of AIFT graduates.
The Chief Guest for the occasion was Shri Farid Mahfooz Kidwai, Minister, Technical Education; Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Mayor, presided over the function. Shri Naved Siddiqui, Mrs. and Mr. Alok Ranjan (IAS), Chief Secretary; Ms. Zohra Chatterjee IAS (Retd.); and Mrs. Aparna Yadav were guests of honor.
Miss AIFT title went to Arunima Srivastava. Shabista won the Best Design Award while the winner for Best Theme implementation was Huda Afzaal. Best Handicraft collection award went to Archana Pandey and Designer of the Year award went to Ritika Shukla. The prizes for AIFT photography contest were also announced. Vikas Arora got the most popular pic award as well the first prize in photography contest. The second prize was won by Amit Sehta, and Qais Mujeeb won the third prize in the AIFT photography contest.
In the final sequence of Fashion show, models showcased the exquisite collection of ghararas, sarees, lehngaas and anaarkalis designed by Asma Hussain. The designs were inspired by Istanbul theme but were created using the traditional Lakhnawi craft- chikankari, mukaish, zardozi and tukri. Celebrating its 21 years of foundation at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on May 30, AIFT gave its students a great platform to kick start their career.
Way to Go! AIFTians…
More Pictures from the AIFT Fashion Festival 2016 can be found at on our facebook page: lucknowpulse
AIFT Fashion Festival 2016 (Day 1)
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AIFT Fashion Festival 2016 (Day 2)
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AIFT Fashion Festival 2016 Grand Finale
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