The viral fashion show by slum children that is wowing India

In a remarkable event that has taken India by storm, a group of underprivileged children from a slum in Lucknow organized a vibrant fashion show that has turned them into local celebrities. The fashion show featured a group of girls, mostly aged between 12 and 17, who wore stunning red and gold outfits made from discarded clothing. These talented teenagers not only designed and tailored the outfits but also took on the role of models, showcasing their creations against the backdrop of their slum's colorful walls and rooftops. The video of this extraordinary fashion shoot was filmed and edited by a 15-year-old boy, and it quickly went viral after being shared on the Instagram page of Innovation for Change, a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to helping children in the area. This charity works with around 400 children from the slums, providing them with free food, education, and job skills. The children featured in the video are students of this NGO. Mehak Kannojia, one of the models, shared her excitement with the BBC, explaining how she and her friends often follow the fashion choices of Bollywood actresses on social media and replicate their styles. This time, they decided to collaborate and pool their resources to create something special. They drew inspiration from a campaign by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, one of India's most renowned fashion designers, known for dressing celebrities and brides alike. In fact, Kim Kardashian wore one of his designs for a Vogue shoot in 2018. The girls worked tirelessly, stitching together about a dozen outfits in just three to four days. Mehak described the experience as intense but incredibly enjoyable. For their runway walk, they studied Sabyasachi's models closely, mimicking their movements and adding their own flair. Some of the girls wore sunglasses, while others carried props like a cloth bundle or a drink, making the show even more entertaining. The project, titled Yeh laal rang, which means 'the color red,' was inspired by Sabyasachi's bridal collection. The girls sifted through donated clothes, selecting all the red items they could find, and then carefully crafted their outfits. The result was a stunning display of creativity and talent that has won the hearts of many in India. The video gained immense popularity after Sabyasachi himself shared it on his Instagram, accompanied by a heart emoji. The campaign received widespread praise, with many social media users comparing the children's work to that of professional models. The viral video has brought significant attention to the charity, leading to visits from various TV channels and invitations for some of the children to participate in popular radio shows. Bollywood actress Tamannah Bhatia even visited the children to accept a scarf they had made. Mehak expressed her astonishment at the overwhelming response, stating, 'It feels like a dream come true. ' She shared that her friends were excitedly telling her that she had become famous, and her parents were overjoyed to hear about the attention they were receiving. The girls now have one dream left: to meet Sabyasachi in person. However, the fashion show did not come without its critics. Some individuals raised concerns that showcasing young girls dressed as brides could inadvertently promote child marriage, a serious issue in India where many girls are married off before they turn 18. In response to these concerns, Innovation for Change clarified their intentions on Instagram, stating, 'Our aim is not to promote child marriage in any way. Today, these girls are able to do something like this by fighting against such ideas and restrictions. Please appreciate them, otherwise the morale of these children will fall.