Young women clad in uniquely styled traditional attire and with distinctive face art even while retaining solemn expressions graced the proclamation rally of 'Aneka', the youth festival of the students union of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, which was held in Kochi recently.
The performance named 'Kshetrakalagal', which led the event's inaugural rally, has already garnered much attention on social media platforms.
Onmanorama speaks to Athira Jojo, Adithya Biju and Ann Maria Devasia, BSc Apparel and Fashion Design students of St Teresa's College, Ernakulam, who curated this show for the event. The three best friends brought together a show that became the face of one of the reputed institutions of Ernakulam at 'Aneka'.
“I always wanted to do a fashion show based on our traditional art forms, but was waiting for a proper event that will draw more eyes. 'Aneka' was the perfect platform for us, because the whole idea of the youth festival is to revive our creativity and artistic skills,” said Athira, while adding, “It was my dream work and nothing could be more exciting than using it to represent our college for the event”.
Backing Athira's statement, Adithya said, “Athira already had the idea of using such a theme for a fashion show. We just had to develop it. We had done our research and eventually came up with this show to include our diminishing art forms such as Onapottan and Ottamthullal. The prime focus was on how to present this in a unique manner. Each model was adorned with an accessory or face art that signified an art form,” she said.
Speaking about the little time that they got to prepare, Ann said, “The opportunity came at an unexpected time and we just had four days to develop and put the idea into action”. Athira added to this saying that all the 14 Kasavu sarees were hand-painted in just two days. “We just had a day to decide on the draping style, face art and models. Another day for purchasing or arranging sarees, paint, ornaments and accessories. It was a day-night task! The college styling team, Students' Union and students of the Department of Fashion helped us a lot,” said Adithya.
The three echoed that the entire performance was a success only due to the hard work of the whole college and team.
The performance was widely applauded on various social media platforms. “We were proud to see the happiness on the faces of our teachers and students. This was the first time that a fashion show is being organised at the MG University youth festival,” said Ann.
The trio are excited with the steady stream of compliments from the public. “The praise that they are going to remember this performance for a long time excites us. All the appreciation that we got online means a lot to us,” noted Athira. “Celebrities and influencers from the fashion industry whom we look up to took time to like, share and compliment the video of our show. What more could we be happier about?,” said Adithya.
What next
The three also spoke about their career aspirations in the fashion industry. While Ann mentioned that she wanted to curate her own apparel brand, all that Athira wishes for is to make a mark of her own in the industry. “I dropped out a Hotel Management course to join Fashion Designing, which is my passion. I am yet to explore more in this field and this is just a beginning,” said Adithya gleefully.
By the end of this conversation, the three got into a candid talk about their teachers and college. “We can't thank them enough for the support and help they extended for this work. A few of our teachers were walking along with our performers and the team, carrying water bottles for us and motivating us every minute,” said Adithya.
“Our college is the best thing that has happened in our lives. We are proud Teresians!,” said the three in one voice.
St Teresa's College, Ernakulam, had won the overall championship in the five-day youth festival.