She has been quietly working on her dream project. And now Kulsum Hothur Shadab is all set to take Milan by storm. The social entrepreneur will be showcasing her designs at the Milan Fashion Week, which begins today. “I was scouted by the Vogue Italia editor and FADX, which is a fashion school. I got an invitation from the office of Carlo Capasa, president of the Camera Nazionale Della Moda Italiana (Italian Chamber of Commerce) to be a part of the official calendar of Milan Fashion Week,” says the Bengaluru-based fashionista who has worked tirelessly in aid of acid survivors.
The lady will be displaying 50 designer turbans that have been created by local victims of acid attacks. “The theme is inspired by the new concept of the rebirth of flowers and is called Renaissance de la fleur. We have picked flowers which have fallen and are of no use to anyone. These flowers are handpressed and coated with resin and used to make broaches for headgers. The girls have been working tirelessly for two months in small groups to ensure that our collection is ready in time,” says an elated Kulsum even as she is all set to fly to Milan tonight.
The turbans have been inspired by Pantone’s colour of the year—Coral and will be found in varies shades of the same. “We have used different fabrics too, from shimmer to sequins to banarasi and more. Milan is a very crucial platform as a lot of buyers come there to pick new collections, which they stock in high end showrooms. My girls have worked really hard and I was determined to promote their talent on an international platform,” says Kulsum adding, “We have all worked hard and this project has consumed my life for the past few months. I have been self funding it and get nothing in return but the satisfaction that I am empowering these survivors. Next season, I hope to take some of them with me too.”
Her collection though is currently stocked at the ultra prestigious 10 Corso Como, Milan. “It is placed right next to brands like Gucci and you have to be invited to stock here,” says the elated designer who has several more fashion aces up her sleeve.
