Sited on a Patan plateau, surrounded by almond and apple trees and near the heritage city of Pahiraspore in Kashmir, SSMD fashion institute & design is the first ever Fashion School. Last week, students enrolled in fashion designing at college had their debut life time on Gurgaon.
Insha QaziThe CEO as well as dean of this school said: “It was really hard for parents to understand what fashion was when we opened in 2016.” This perception changed slowly. Manal Mir, a student of fashion in an interview disclosed that: “I had to fight my family tooth and nail to get into design studies because they thought it meant tailoring. But now they are proud.” “Fashion makes me happy,” said Arwa who quit medical school for fashion. “Abhi mujhe bahut aage jaana hai, I will go with the flow.” These same girls were also part of costume designs team for Article 370 starring Yami Gautam.
‘Wanted to combine traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship with modern design”
Many intricate embroidery and woven techniques are preserved by the Indian craftsmen from Kashmir. Students say that modern designs and reviving traditional techniques have helped restore these crafts using Kalijal among other modern techniques. The designer and stylist named Armaan said: “I used to look at Bollywood stars or Hollywood stars as a child wondering what people who made those clothes would be looking like”. I am about sending messages through my designs. We want more people benefitting from traditional craftmanship combined with contemporary styling. In the field of industry we are unignorable force.
A meaningful runway debut
Insha S Qazi, CEO & Dean – School of Fashion Design SSMD.“We are excited to be making our first appearance at Times Lifestyle Week,” commented Insha S Qazi, CEO & Dean – School of Fashion Design SSMD. They used dry leaves, balloons and paper cups. It was a great opportunity for performing artists to show this information relating to sustainability as well as fast fashion damage.
